DLBL Round 12 (Regular Season): Sagesse beat Batroun by two after a very close game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Tenth-ranked Batroun (2-10) used its home court advantage to challenge second ranked Sagesse (10-2) on Saturday. The visitors from Beirut managed to secure only two-point victory 84-82. However their fans expected much easier game. Sagesse outrebounded Batroun 39-28 including 31 on the defensive glass. Sagesse looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a good game for American power forward Paris Bass (207-1995, college: Detroit) who led his team to a victory with 25 points and 9 rebounds. The former international forward Youssef Khayat (206-2003, college: BGSU) contributed with 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Sagesse's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Desi Washington (188-1992, college: St.Peter's) replied with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 10 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) for Batroun. Sagesse maintains second position with 10-2 record having just two points less than leader Al Riyadi. Batroun lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth place with ten games lost. They share the position with NSA. Sagesse's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Hoops.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Beirut: Hoops (#6) and Homentmen (#5). Hoops (7-5) won against visiting Homentmen (7-5) 94-87. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Trazarien White (198, college: TCU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points and 10 rebounds and Kedrian Johnson who added 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) with 30 points and 5 assists. Homentmen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Hoops have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with defeated Homentmen. Hoops' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Sagesse.
An interesting game for Antonine (9-4) which hosted in Antonine one of their biggest challengers Al Markaziyyah (8-5). Third ranked Antonine managed to get a 8-point victory 85-77. The winners were led by Ricky Ledo who had that evening a triple-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Even 29 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) by Donte McGill did not help to save the game for Al Markaziyyah. Antonine have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 9-4 record having just two points less than leader Al Riyadi. Al Markaziyyah lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with five games lost. Antonine will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Al Markaziyyah will play against Beirut Club (#8) and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 12: Antonine smashed Maristes on the road 106-74. Antranik won against Al Markaziyyah on its own court 90-83. Beirut Club managed to outperform NSA in a road game 98-88. Winless Tadamon lost to defending champion Al Riyadi at home 87-104.



Maristes - Antonine 74-106

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Antonine (9-4) crushed 8th ranked Maristes (5-7) in Dik El Mehdi 106-74 on Wednesday. Antonine looked well-organized offensively handing out 36 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Maristes' players. The winners were led by the former international Elie Chamoun (193-1994) who scored that evening 25 points and 5 rebounds and Ghassan Tacca supported him with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Even a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) by center Mostapha Assaf (205-2026) did not help to save the game for Maristes. The former international forward Gebrael Samaha (206-2001) added 10 points and 13 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Antonine have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 9-4 record having just two points less than leader Al Riyadi. Maristes lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with seven games lost. They share the position with Beirut Club. Antonine will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Maristes will play against Beirut Club (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Antonine: C.Elie 25+5reb+3ast, A.Mark 17+3reb+5ast, A.Anthony 15+1reb+7ast, L.Ricky 13+4reb+5ast, G.Tacca 11+13reb+3ast, P.Abboud 10+9reb+2ast
Maristes: A.Mostapha 22+11reb+1ast, E.Khatib Hadi 15+4reb+1ast, M.Rudy 15+1reb+6ast, S.Ray 12+7reb+5ast, S.Gebrael 10+13reb+3ast, A.Jad 0+1reb

Antranik - Al Markaziyyah 90-83

There was a minor upset when 4th ranked Al Markaziyyah (8-5) lost to seventh ranked Antranik (6-6) in Beirut 83-90 on Wednesday. Antranik looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Antranik made 9 blocks. The winners were led by American guard Christian Brown (198-2000, college: Tennessee St.) who scored that evening 33 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds and South Sudanese center Majur Majak (216, college: New Haven) supported him with 16 points, 18 rebounds and 7 blocks. Even a double-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists by American guard Donte McGill (190-1995, college: FIU) did not help to save the game for Al Markaziyyah. His fellow American import forward Kenny Wooten Jr (204-1998, college: Oregon) added 12 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Antranik have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain seventh position with 6-6 record. Al Markaziyyah lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with five games lost. Antranik's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Homentmen.
Top scorers:
Antranik: B.Christian 33+5reb+2ast, G.Jeremiah 23+4reb+6ast, M.Majur 16+18reb+2ast, S.Gabriel 11+4reb+7ast, S.Alaa 7+4reb+1ast, R.Guy 0+3reb+2ast
Al Markaziyyah: D.McGill 27+11reb+7ast, K.Matthew 16+3reb+1ast, K.Wooten Jr. 12+12reb+6ast, T.Franklin 10+1reb+6ast, E.Khatib Jihad 8+4reb, S.Lucas 6+7reb+3ast

NSA - Beirut Club 88-98

Rather predictable result when ninth ranked Beirut Club (5-7) won against on the road 11th ranked NSA (2-10) 98-88 on Friday. Beirut Club looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American forward Tray Jackson (208-2000, college: Michigan) who scored that evening 35 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds and the other American import guard AJ English (192-1992, college: Iona) supported him with 35 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 22 points and 11 assists by American guard Makye Richards (188, college: Xavier, LA) did not help to save the game for NSA. Canadian-DR Congolese power forward Elijah Lufile (201-1997, college: ORU) added 18 points and 12 rebounds. Five NSA players scored in double figures. Beirut Club moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Maristes. NSA lost tenth consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with ten games lost. They share it with Batroun. Beirut Club will meet higher ranked Al Markaziyyah (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. NSA will play against Tadamon (#12) in Hrajel and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Beirut Club: E.AJ 35+5reb+3ast, J.Tray 35+9reb+2ast, H.Daniel 17+7reb+13ast, A.Joseph 9+3ast, R.Hachem 2+1ast, A.Zambaka 0
NSA: M.Richards 22+4reb+11ast, E.Lufile 18+12reb+3ast, P.Rakicevic 15+7reb+1ast, H.Mike 13+2reb+4ast, C.Khalil 12+8reb+5ast, M.Sarkis 7+2reb

Batroun - Sagesse 82-84

Tenth-ranked Batroun (2-10) used its home court advantage to challenge second ranked Sagesse (10-2) on Saturday. The visitors from Beirut managed to secure only two-point victory 84-82. However their fans expected much easier game. Sagesse outrebounded Batroun 39-28 including 31 on the defensive glass. Sagesse looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a good game for American power forward Paris Bass (207-1995, college: Detroit) who led his team to a victory with 25 points and 9 rebounds. The former international forward Youssef Khayat (206-2003, college: BGSU) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Sagesse's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Desi Washington (188-1992, college: St.Peter's) replied with a double-double by scoring 34 points (!!!) and 10 assists (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) and his fellow American import forward Anthony Fairley (205-1999, college: Miles, agency: BIG) added 19 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Batroun. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sagesse maintains second position with 10-2 record having just two points less than leader Al Riyadi. Batroun lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the tenth place with ten games lost. They share the position with NSA. Sagesse's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Beirut Hoops.
Top scorers:
Sagesse: B.Paris 25+9reb+1ast, M.Kevin 20+3reb+3ast, Y.Khayat 16+10reb+2ast, H.Ali 11+9reb+1ast, H.Walter 5+2reb+9ast, M.Khoueiry 5
Batroun: D.Washington 34+2reb+10ast, A.Fairley 19+9reb, K.Karl 11+3reb+3ast, R.Monyyong 10+7reb+3ast, A.Kopaly 8+1reb+1ast, H.Ghassan 0+5reb

Hoops - Homentmen 94-87

Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Beirut: Hoops (#6) and Homentmen (#5). Hoops (7-5) won against visiting Homentmen (7-5) 94-87. They outrebounded Homentmen 42-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Trazarien White (198, college: TCU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 32 points and 10 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) and Kedrian Johnson (190-1999, college: WVU) who added 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) with 30 points and 5 assists and forward Tyler Bey (201-1998, college: Colorado) produced a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Homentmen's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Hoops have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with defeated Homentmen. Hoops' supporters look forward to another derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Beirut to the arena Sagesse.
Top scorers:
Hoops: W.Trazarien 32+10reb+3ast, Y.George 19+4reb+4ast, J.Kedrian 18+6reb+6ast, A.Omar 14+9reb+1ast, S.Abed 6+1reb, M.Nemanja 4+4reb+1ast
Homentmen: J.Stevens 30+4reb+5ast, T.Bey 23+10reb+3ast, K.Thomas 14+7reb+4ast, A.Abdel Massih 10+1reb+1ast, A.Gabriel 5+2reb+3ast, A.Isaac 4+2reb+1ast

Tadamon - Al Riyadi 87-104

Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Tadamon (0-12) lost to top-ranked Al Riyadi (12-0) in Hrajel 87-104 on Sunday. Al Riyadi dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to Tadamon's 44. Al Riyadi had a 16-3 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 33 assists comparing to just 19 passes made by Tadamon's players. American players dominated also this game. The winners were led by Maurice Kemp (203-1991, college: ECU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and forward Perrin Buford (198-1994, college: MTSU, agency: Pensack Sports) supported him with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 24 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) by Samuel Daniel (203-1996, college: Florida Tech) did not help to save the game for Tadamon. Swingman BJ Freeman (198-2002, college: Arizona St.) added 21 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Four Tadamon players scored in double figures. Al Riyadi have an impressive 12-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 12-0 record. Tadamon at the other side still closes the standings with 12 games lost. Al Riyadi will meet at home Batroun (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tadamon will play against NSA and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Al Riyadi: K.Maurice 25+10reb+1ast, B.Perrin 22+5reb+4ast, G.Hayk 14+5reb+2ast, T.Bilal 11+6reb+1ast, Z.Karim 11+1reb+5ast, O.Nuni 8+6reb+6ast
Tadamon: S.Daniel 24+11reb+6ast, B.Freeman 21+9reb+9ast, E.Campbell III 18+2reb+1ast, Y.Omar 10+1reb, A.Alex 8+4reb+1ast, Z.Elio 4+2reb+2ast

Antonine - Al Markaziyyah 85-77

An interesting game for Antonine (9-4) which hosted in Antonine one of their biggest challengers Al Markaziyyah (8-5). Third ranked Antonine managed to get a 8-point victory 85-77. Antonine made 27-of-33 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American Ricky Ledo (201-1992, college: Providence) who had that evening a triple-double by scoring 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and the other American import point guard Glenn Cosey (183-1992, college: EKU) supported him with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Antonine players scored in double figures. Even 29 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) by American guard Donte McGill (190-1995, college: FIU) did not help to save the game for Al Markaziyyah. Jihad El Khatib added 7 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Antonine have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 9-4 record having just two points less than leader Al Riyadi. Al Markaziyyah lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with five games lost. Antonine will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Al Markaziyyah will play against Beirut Club (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Antonine: L.Ricky 22+10reb+10ast, C.Glenn 15+6reb+5ast, C.Clinton 14+3reb+1ast, A.Mark 12+11reb, C.Elie 9+1reb, P.Abboud 7+3reb
Al Markaziyyah: D.McGill 29+9reb+9ast, T.Franklin 13+3reb+2ast, K.Wooten Jr. 10+5reb, E.Khatib Jihad 7+8reb+6ast, E.Saad 7+6reb+1ast, S.Lucas 6+1reb+1ast