DLBL Round 10 (Regular Season): Homentmen is defeated by Sagesse in a derby game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Beirut: Sagesse (#2) and Homentmen (#4). Sagesse (9-1) won against visiting Homentmen (6-4) 131-120. Sagesse made 38-of-42 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game, while Homentmen only scored sixteen points from the stripe. They outrebounded Homentmen 44-33 including a 36-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sagesse looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. 28 personal fouls committed by Homentmen helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Power forward Paris Bass (207-1995, college: Detroit) had a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!), 14 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and guard Kevin Murphy (197-1990, college: Tenn Tech, agency: The Crew A.M.) chipped in 31 points and 6 assists (made all of his eleven free throws !!!) during the contest. At the losing side point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 39 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Homentmen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sagesse maintains second position with 9-1 record behind leader Al Riyadi. Homentmen lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with Antonine. Sagesse's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Al Riyadi.
Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Beirut: Al Riyadi (#1) and Beirut Club (#8). Beirut Club was smashed at home by 19 points 102-121 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. South Sudanese-American Nuni Omot (204-1994, college: Baylor) notched 26 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and Hayk Gyokchyan supported him with 28 points and 6 assists. Al Riyadi's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 41 points (!!!) and 5 assists by American guard AJ English (192-1992, college: Iona) did not help to save the game for Beirut Club. Undefeated Al Riyadi (10-0) have an impressive ten-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with a perfect record of 10 victories in a row. Beirut Club at the other side dropped to the ninth place with seven games lost. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Sagesse.
Bottom-ranked Tadamon (0-10) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their tenth consecutive match to fifth ranked Antonine (6-4) 88-54 on Tuesday evening. Ricky Ledo fired 16 points and 6 assists for the winners. Elias Sebaaly produced a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Antonine moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Homentmen. Loser Tadamon still closes the standings with ten games lost. Antonine will meet at home NSA (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tadamon will play against Beirut Club and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 10: Batroun lost to Al Markaziyyah on the opponent's court 88-98. NSA unfortunately lost to Antranik in a home game 55-69. Maristes were rolled over Hoops on the road 61-90.



Sagesse - Homentmen 131-120

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Beirut: Sagesse (#2) and Homentmen (#4). Sagesse (9-1) won against visiting Homentmen (6-4) 131-120. Sagesse made 38-of-42 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game, while Homentmen only scored sixteen points from the stripe. They outrebounded Homentmen 44-33 including a 36-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sagesse looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. 28 personal fouls committed by Homentmen helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Americans were the main players on the court. Power forward Paris Bass (207-1995, college: Detroit) had a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!), 14 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and guard Kevin Murphy (197-1990, college: Tenn Tech, agency: The Crew A.M.) chipped in 31 points and 6 assists (made all of his eleven free throws !!!) during the contest. Five Sagesse players scored in double figures. At the losing side point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 39 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 10 assists and forward Khalid Thomas (208-1999, college: Portland St.) scored 29 points and 7 rebounds. Homentmen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sagesse maintains second position with 9-1 record behind leader Al Riyadi. Homentmen lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with four games lost. They share the position with Antonine. Sagesse's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Al Riyadi.
Top scorers:
Homentmen: J.Stevens 39+7reb+10ast, A.Ibrahim 30+4reb+1ast, K.Thomas 29+7reb+1ast, A.Gabriel 8+2reb+2ast, A.Abdel Massih 5+2reb+3ast, A.Tanios 4+1reb
Sagesse: B.Paris 36+14reb+7ast, M.Kevin 31+4reb+6ast, Y.Khayat 25+12reb+3ast, H.Walter 17+4reb+6ast, H.Gerard 15+5reb, M.Khoueiry 3+1reb+3ast

Beirut Club - Al Riyadi 102-121

Another interesting game was again a derby between two teams from Beirut: Al Riyadi (#1) and Beirut Club (#8). Beirut Club was smashed at home by 19 points 102-121 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. Al Riyadi shot 66.7 percent from the field and made 20-of-22 charity shots (90.9 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three nailing 13 long-distance shots on high 56.5 percentage. Al Riyadi players were unselfish on offense dishing 38 assists. South Sudanese-American Nuni Omot (204-1994, college: Baylor) notched 26 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and the former international forward Hayk Gyokchyan (203-1990, college: F&M) supported him with 28 points and 6 assists. Five Al Riyadi players scored in double figures. Al Riyadi's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 41 points (!!!) and 5 assists by American guard AJ English (192-1992, college: Iona) did not help to save the game for Beirut Club. His fellow American import Daniel Hamilton (201-1995, college: UConn) added 21 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists for lost side. Al Riyadi (10-0) have an impressive ten-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with a perfect record of 10 victories in a row. Beirut Club at the other side dropped to the ninth place with seven games lost. Al Riyadi's supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Sagesse.
Top scorers:
Beirut Club: A.English 41+4reb+5ast, D.Hamilton 21+7reb+11ast, T.Jackson 20+2reb+1ast, M.Jean 8+1reb, J.Abou Samra 5+5reb+6ast, M.Ziadeh 4+1ast
Al Riyadi: G.Hayk 28+4reb+6ast, O.Nuni 26+7reb+6ast, K.Maurice 21+6reb+1ast, B.Perrin 19+3reb+6ast, Z.Karim 14+2reb+4ast, M.Ali 10+1reb+9ast

Al Markaziyyah - Batroun 98-88

Very expected game in Jounieh where 10th ranked Batroun (2-8) was defeated by third ranked Al Markaziyyah (8-2) 98-88 on Sunday. Al Markaziyyah shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 53.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American-Dominican forward Anyeuri Castillo (201-1997, college: USC Aiken) fired 41 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American guard Donte McGill (190-1995, college: FIU) chipped in 18 points and 7 assists. McGill is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American guard Desi Washington (188-1992, college: St.Peter's) produced 24 points and 9 assists and his fellow American import forward Anthony Fairley (205-1999, college: Miles, agency: BIG) added 15 points and 12 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Batroun players scored in double figures. Al Markaziyyah have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 8-2 record having just two points less than leader Al Riyadi. Newly promoted Batroun keeps the tenth place with eight games lost. They share the position with NSA. Al Markaziyyah will meet at home Hoops (#6) in the next round. Batroun will play against Homentmen (#4) in Beirut and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Batroun: D.Washington 24+4reb+9ast, K.Karl 20+2reb+2ast, R.Monyyong 16+4reb+3ast, A.Fairley 15+12reb+3ast, M.Hijazi 10+5reb, A.Malla Mohamad 3
Al Markaziyyah: C.Anyeuri 41+8reb+7ast, M.Donte 18+3reb+7ast, W.Kenny 14+2reb+5ast, S.Elios 8+5reb+2ast, A.Nabaa 8+3reb+2ast, G.Salem 6+3reb

NSA - Antranik 55-69

Rather predictable result when eighth ranked Antranik (4-6) defeated on the road 10th ranked NSA (2-8) 69-55 on Monday. Antranik forced 20 NSA turnovers. Strangely NSA outrebounded Antranik 59-39 including a 22-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Antranik made 9 blocks. American guard Christian Brown (198-2000, college: Tennessee St.) fired a double-double by scoring 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The other American import Jeremiah Gambrell Jr (190-2000, college: Alcorn St., agency: 0z Sports Agency) chipped in 27 points and 5 assists. Serbian guard Petar Rakicevic (204-1995) produced a double-double by scoring 19 points and 11 rebounds and Canadian-DR Congolese power forward Elijah Lufile (201-1997, college: ORU) added 14 points and 16 rebounds respectively for lost side. NSA's coach tested ten players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Antranik maintains eighth position with 4-6 record. NSA lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the tenth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Batroun. Antranik will meet at home higher ranked Maristes (#7) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. NSA will play against Antonine and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
NSA: P.Rakicevic 19+11reb+2ast, E.Lufile 14+16reb+1ast, C.Khalil 13+10reb+1ast, M.Richards 9+9reb+4ast, S.Jason 0+5reb+3ast, H.Mike 0
Antranik: G.Jeremiah 27+4reb+5ast, B.Christian 26+10reb+4ast, S.Gabriel 6+5reb+3ast, R.Guy 4+2reb+1ast, K.Kevork 4+5reb+1ast, M.Majur 2+13reb+1ast

Hoops - Maristes 90-61

There was a minor upset in Beirut where 5th ranked Maristes (5-5) were rolled over by seventh ranked Hoops (5-5) 90-61 on Monday. Hoops outrebounded Maristes 52-41 including 16 on the offensive glass. Hoops looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Maristes' players. American center Amari Kelly (206-1999, college: GMU) fired a double-double by scoring 22 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. The other American import forward Trazarien White (198, college: TCU) chipped in 21 points and 4 steals. Hoops' coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Syrian guard Javion Blake (191-1997, college: Washburn) produced 30 points and the other American import Jeremiah Gambrell Jr (190-2000, college: Alcorn St., agency: 0z Sports Agency) added 10 points and 11 rebounds respectively for lost side. Hoops have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with defeated Maristes. Hoops will meet higher ranked Al Markaziyyah (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Maristes will play against Antranik in Beirut and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Maristes: J.Blake 30+2reb, E.Khatib Hadi 11+10reb, A.Mostapha 10+11reb+1ast, S.Gebrael 8+11reb+2ast, S.Ray 2+5reb+2ast, J.Jarrouge 0
Hoops: K.Amari 22+13reb+2ast, W.Trazarien 21+4reb+1ast, Y.George 18+1reb+1ast, J.Kedrian 8+4reb+11ast, S.Abed 6+3reb+2ast, K.Ouwedet 6+2reb+3ast

Tadamon - Antonine 54-88

Bottom-ranked Tadamon (0-10) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their tenth consecutive match to fifth ranked Antonine (6-4) 88-54 on Tuesday evening. Antonine dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Tadamon's 20. They outrebounded Tadamon 52-29 including a 41-27 advantage in defensive rebounds. Antonine looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American Ricky Ledo (201-1992, college: Providence) fired 16 points and 6 assists for the winners. The former international Elie Chamoun (193-1994) chipped in 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Antonine players scored in double figures. American center Amari Kelly (206-1999, college: GMU) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks and the other his fellow American import import forward Trazarien White (198, college: TCU) added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Antonine moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Homentmen. Loser Tadamon still closes the standings with ten games lost. Antonine will meet at home NSA (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tadamon will play against Beirut Club and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Tadamon: D.John 13+2reb+3ast, Z.Elio 11+6reb+4ast, S.Elias 10+12reb+1ast, A.Alex 9+2reb+2ast, B.Freeman 6, J.Nasr 3+1reb+4ast
Antonine: L.Ricky 16+4reb+6ast, C.Elie 15+5reb+4ast, C.Glenn 11+7reb+3ast, G.Tacca 11+10reb+1ast, A.Anthony 10+6reb+1ast, A.Mark 8+4reb