LBL Round 6 (Regular Season): Al Riyadi keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Al Riyadi as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Al Riyadi defeated bottom-ranked NSA in Beirut 95-79. Al Riyadi looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a good game for Spanish center Ilimane Diop (210-1995) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds. International guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) contributed with 17 points and 5 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Al Riyadi's coach Ahmad Farran used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Haitian guard Derric Jean (188-1997, college: La Tech, agency: BIG) replied with 12 points and 8 assists for NSA. Undefeated Al Riyadi (6-0) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Beirut Club and Sagesse. NSA at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Hoops. NSA will play next round against strong Beirut Club trying to get back on the winning streak. Al Riyadi will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Antranik. It will be extra interesting game as Antranik is their local rival from Beirut.
Important game to mention about took place in Beirut. Top-ranked Sagesse (6-0) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Homentmen (3-3) 100-99 on Friday evening. American guard Zach Lofton (193-1993, college: NM State, agency: Slash Sports) scored 32 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Muhammad Shabazz chipped in 26 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) with 39 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Undefeated Sagesse have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Al Riyadi and Beirut Club. Homentmen at the other side dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Mayrouba. Sagesse will play against Mayrouba (#5) on the road in the next round. Homentmen's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Hoops.
Bottom-ranked Hoops is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their sixth consecutive match to ninth ranked Maristes (2-4) 90-83 on Saturday evening. Henry Sims notched a double-double by scoring 31 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort. Even 34 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 9 assists by AJ English did not help to save the game for Hoops. Hoops' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Maristes moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Al Markaziyyah and Antonine. Loser Hoops still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with NSA. Maristes will meet Antonine (#7) on the road in the next round. Hoops' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Homentmen.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 6: Beirut Club smashed Mayrouba on the road 95-76. Homentmen won against Al Markaziyyah on its own court 100-82. Winless NSA unfortunately lost to Antranik in Beirut 69-82. Antonine lost to defending champion Al Riyadi at home 73-100. Tadamon lost to undefeated Sagesse on the opponent's court 89-94.



Sagesse - Homentmen 100-99

Important game to mention about took place in Beirut. Top-ranked Sagesse (6-0) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Homentmen (3-3) 100-99 on Friday evening. American guard Zach Lofton (193-1993, college: NM State, agency: Slash Sports) scored 32 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import Muhammad Shabazz chipped in 26 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) with 39 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 8 assists and Armenian guard Gary Chivichyan (193-1996, college: Pacific) scored 21 points and 4 assists. Four Homentmen players scored in double figures. Sagesse have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Al Riyadi and Beirut Club. Homentmen at the other side dropped to the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Mayrouba. Sagesse will play against Mayrouba (#5) on the road in the next round. Homentmen's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Hoops.
Top scorers:
Sagesse: Z.Lofton 32+5reb+4ast, M.Shabazz 26+12reb+2ast, G.Hadidian 15+3reb+1ast, A.Majok 8+10reb+1ast, A.Abdel Massih 6+2ast, J.Khalil 6+1reb+3ast
Homentmen: J.Stevens 39+7reb+8ast, G.Chivichyan 21+2reb+4ast, G.Ajemian 16+1reb, Y.Alok 14+10reb+2ast, D.Kennedy 7+9reb+3ast, J.Soufan 2

Al Riyadi - NSA 95-79

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Al Riyadi as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Al Riyadi defeated bottom-ranked NSA in Beirut 95-79. Al Riyadi looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a good game for Spanish center Ilimane Diop (210-1995) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points and 14 rebounds. International guard Wael Arakji (193-1994) contributed with 17 points and 5 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Al Riyadi's coach Ahmad Farran used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Haitian guard Derric Jean (188-1997, college: La Tech, agency: BIG) replied with 12 points and 8 assists and Mike Haddad added 11 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for NSA. Al Riyadi (6-0) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Beirut Club and Sagesse. NSA at the other side still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Hoops. NSA will play next round against strong Beirut Club trying to get back on the winning streak. Al Riyadi will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Antranik. It will be extra interesting game as Antranik is their local rival from Beirut.
Top scorers:
Al Riyadi: I.Diop 26+14reb+2ast, W.Arakji 17+1reb+5ast, I.Ahmad 11+3reb+1ast, H.Gyokchyan 9+4reb+3ast, G.King 8+2reb, K.Zeinoun 7+2reb+3ast
NSA: T.Baxter Jr. 13+1reb+1ast, D.Jean 12+2reb+8ast, M.Haddad 11+5reb, V.Bacovic 10+4reb, G.Tacca 8+5reb+2ast, L.Saleh 8+4reb+2ast

Maristes - Hoops 90-83

Bottom-ranked Hoops is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their sixth consecutive match to ninth ranked Maristes (2-4) 90-83 on Saturday evening. Maristes looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American center Henry Sims (208-1990, college: Georgetown) notched a double-double by scoring 31 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and the other American import point guard Joshua Gray (185-1993, college: LSU) supported him with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Four Maristes players scored in double figures. Even 34 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 9 assists by American guard AJ English (192-1992, college: Iona) did not help to save the game for Hoops. Nigerian-American center Abayomi Iyiola (208-1998, college: Kansas St.) added 18 points and 12 rebounds. Hoops' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Maristes moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Al Markaziyyah and Antonine. Loser Hoops still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with NSA. Maristes will meet Antonine (#7) on the road in the next round. Hoops' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Homentmen.
Top scorers:
Maristes: H.Sims 31+14reb+4ast, J.Gray 23+8reb+5ast, A.John 13+4reb+3ast, R.Zanbaka 11+2reb+3ast, J.Salem 8+9reb+7ast, M.Sarkis 2+1ast
Hoops: A.English 34+6reb+9ast, D.Dixson 21+7reb, A.Iyiola 18+12reb, T.Akiki 3+2reb, E.Bassil 3+1ast, R.Akl 2+3reb+3ast

Mayrouba - Beirut Club 76-95

No shocking result in a game when top-ranked Beirut Club (6-0) crushed on the road 5th ranked Mayrouba (3-3) 95-76 on Saturday. Beirut Club dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Mayrouba's 40. Beirut Club looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Mayrouba's players. The former international guard Sergio El Darwich (194-1996, college: Maine) notched 31 points and 7 rebounds to lead the effort and American-Palestinian guard Brian Halums (196-1997, college: UAFS) supported him with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Beirut Club players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds by American power forward James Padgett (203-1991, college: Maryland) did not help to save the game for Mayrouba. Dominican-American forward Anyeuri Castillo (201-1997, college: USC Aiken) added 28 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Beirut Club have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Al Riyadi and Sagesse. Loser Mayrouba keeps the fifth place with three games lost. They share the position with Homentmen. Beirut Club will meet bottom-ranked NSA (#12) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Mayrouba will play against Sagesse (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Beirut Club: S.El Darwich 31+7reb+3ast, B.Halums 17+10reb+4ast, A.Mezher 13+5reb+11ast, K.Kadji 11+3reb+1ast, M.Haidar 7+7reb, A.Mahmoud 6+1reb+6ast
Mayrouba: A.Castillo 28+5reb+3ast, J.Padgett 25+12reb+1ast, J.Nakhle 12+9reb+2ast, K.Kozah 5+2reb, B.Saba 2+5reb+3ast, G.Rizk 2+5reb+1ast

Homentmen - Al Markaziyyah 100-82

Everything could happen in Beirut at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Homentmen and 8th ranked Al Markaziyyah had identical 2-3 record. This time Homentmen used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Jounieh 100-82 on Sunday night. Homentmen looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) notched a double-double by scoring 28 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists to lead the effort and Armenian guard Gary Chivichyan (193-1996, college: Pacific) supported him with 29 points. Even 26 points by American guard Cameron Young (195-1996, college: Quinnipiac, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Al Markaziyyah. His fellow American import forward Kenny Wooten Jr. (204-1998, college: Oregon) added 13 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Homentmen (3-3) moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Mayrouba. Newly promoted Al Markaziyyah dropped to the seventh position with four games lost. They share it with Maristes and Antonine. Homentmen's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Hoops.
Top scorers:
Homentmen: G.Chivichyan 29+4reb+2ast, J.Stevens 28+7reb+11ast, D.Kennedy 14+9reb+3ast, Y.Alok 13+13reb+2ast, B.Harfouch 6+1reb+1ast, G.Ajemian 6+3ast
Al Markaziyyah: C.Young 26+3reb+3ast, J.Zaloum 15+3reb+6ast, A.Nabaa 13+3reb+1ast, K.Wooten Jr. 13+17reb+1ast, O.Eldridge 6+6reb+5ast, G.Choueiry 5

Antranik - NSA 82-69

Very predictable result when fourth ranked Antranik (5-1) won against bottom-ranked NSA (0-6) in Beirut 82-69 on Sunday. American point guard Saeed Nelson (188-1998, college: American) notched 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and American forward Tony Criswell (205-1991, college: Missouri, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 25 points and 9 rebounds. Criswell is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even a double-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists by American swingman Lucas Saleh (201-2000, college: Belm.Abbey) did not help to save the game for NSA. Montenegrin center Vasilije Bacovic (208-1996, agency: BIG) added 14 points and 10 rebounds. Four NSA players scored in double figures. Antranik have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 5-1 record. Loser NSA still closes the standings with six games lost. They share the position with Hoops. Antranik's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Al Riyadi.
Top scorers:
Antranik: S.Nelson 28+8reb+4ast, T.Criswell 25+9reb+1ast, R.Moussa 11+7reb+5ast, A.Fairley 8+8reb+2ast, K.Aoun 6+3reb, J.Abou Samra 4+3reb+2ast
NSA: T.Baxter Jr. 19+2reb+1ast, D.Jean 16+6reb+2ast, V.Bacovic 14+10reb+3ast, L.Saleh 14+11reb+7ast, M.Haddad 3+2reb+2ast, K.Mechref 2+2reb

Antonine - Al Riyadi 73-100

Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Antonine (2-4) was outscored at home by top-ranked Al Riyadi (6-0) 100-73 on Monday. Al Riyadi dominated down low during the game scoring 70 of its points in the paint compared to Antonine's 38. They outrebounded Antonine 43-28 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Al Riyadi looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international guard Amir Saoud (187-1991) notched 17 points and 9 assists to lead the effort and the former international forward Hayk Gyokchyan (203-1990, college: F&M) supported him with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Four Al Riyadi players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 4 steals by American guard Kevin Murphy (197-1990, college: Tenn Tech) did not help to save the game for Antonine. His fellow American import forward Michael Watkins (206-1995, college: Penn State) added 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Al Riyadi have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Beirut Club and Sagesse. Loser Antonine keeps the seventh place with four games lost. They share the position with Maristes and Al Markaziyyah. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Antranik.
Top scorers:
Al Riyadi: K.Zeinoun 19+4reb+2ast, A.Saoud 17+3reb+9ast, H.Gyokchyan 15+7reb+3ast, W.Arakji 11+4reb+5ast, A.Mansour 10+1reb+3ast, I.Diop 9+10reb
Antonine: K.Murphy 18+4reb+3ast, M.Watkins 15+9reb, K.Roach II 13+2reb+6ast, A.Assi 9+1reb+1ast, P.Abboud 8+4reb+3ast, B.Mansour 6+1ast

Sagesse - Tadamon 94-89

Everything went according to plan when top-ranked Sagesse (6-0) defeated 10th ranked Tadamon (1-5) in Beirut 94-89 on Monday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Strangely Tadamon outrebounded Sagesse 44-30 including 17 on the offensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American guard Zach Lofton (193-1993, college: NM State, agency: Slash Sports) notched 25 points and 5 assists to lead the effort and the former international center Ater Majok (210-1987, college: UConn) supported him with 16 points and 4 blocks (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Four Sagesse players scored in double figures. Even 28 points and 8 rebounds by American guard Unique McLean (188-1997, college: SFC, agency: Blacktop Management) did not help to save the game for Tadamon. Croatian power forward Josip Mikulic (215-1993, college: Fairfield, agency: Interperformances) added 19 points and 11 rebounds. Tadamon's coach Ghassan Sarkis tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Sagesse have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Al Riyadi and Beirut Club. Tadamon lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth place with five games lost. Sagesse will meet Mayrouba (#5) on the road in the next round. Tadamon will play against Al Markaziyyah (#9) in Jounieh and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sagesse: Z.Lofton 25+4reb+5ast, A.Majok 16+4reb+1ast, M.Khoueiry 12+4reb+5ast, M.Shabazz 12+4reb, N.Rabay 9+2reb+2ast, O.Jamaleddine 8+3reb+1ast
Tadamon: U.McLean 28+8reb+1ast, J.Mikulic 19+11reb+1ast, M.Ziadeh 10+6reb+1ast, G.Daaboul 9+3reb+1ast, A.Alalia 7+2reb, J.Nemer 6+3reb+14ast