WLBL Round 12 (Regular Season): Al Riyadi keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Al Riyadi as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Al Riyadi smashed 9th ranked Almtayleb in Beirut 114-74. Al Riyadi dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Almtayleb's 34 and made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Almtayleb 49-36 including a 41-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Al Riyadi looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a good game for the former international Rebecca Akl (170-1992) who led her team to a victory with 36 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 5 assists. American-Angolan guard Italee Lucas (172-1989, college: UNC) contributed with 30 points and 9 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winners. American Aliyah Matharu (170-2001, college: Baylor) replied with 42 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Almtayleb. Al Riyadi have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Homentmen. Almtayleb lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 11 games lost. Almtayleb will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Al Riyadi will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked NSA on the road.
Important game to mention about took place in . Eighth ranked Damour (3-9) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked NSA (4-8) 75-72 on Saturday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of American Sonia Smith (170, college: GMU) who helped to win the game recording 27 points and Alexa Hart who added 18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks during the contest. Damour's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Ukrainian center Olesia Malashenko (191-1991) with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Newly promoted Damour maintains eighth position with 3-9 record. NSA lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with eight games lost. Damour will play against higher ranked Bkennaya (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. NSA will play against the league's leader Al Riyadi where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
An interesting game for Azour (9-2) which hosted in one of their biggest challengers Beirut FC (6-5). Third ranked Azour had an easy win 68-43. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Beirut FC. The winners were led by LeLe Grissett who scored that evening 33 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds. Even a double-double of 18 points and 19 rebounds by Chyna Cornwell did not help to save the game for Beirut FC. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Azour have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 9-2 record having just three points less than leader Al Riyadi. Newly promoted Beirut FC keeps the fourth place with five games lost. They share the position with Antranik. Azour will meet league's second-placed Homentmen in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Beirut FC will play against Antranik and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last game of round 12 Homentmen smashed Bkennaya on the road 115-79.

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. A full-service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working worldwide. A global and ethical quality service.

Al Riyadi - Almtayleb 114-74

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Al Riyadi as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Al Riyadi smashed 9th ranked Almtayleb in Beirut 114-74. Al Riyadi dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Almtayleb's 34 and made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Almtayleb 49-36 including a 41-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Al Riyadi looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a good game for the former international Rebecca Akl (170-1992) who led her team to a victory with 36 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 5 assists. American-Angolan guard Italee Lucas (172-1989, college: UNC) contributed with 30 points and 9 rebounds (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winners. Four Al Riyadi players scored in double figures. American Aliyah Matharu (170-2001, college: Baylor) replied with 42 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Mexican Aixchel Hernandez (185-2003, college: CS Fullerton) added 8 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Almtayleb. Al Riyadi have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Homentmen. Almtayleb lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the ninth place with 11 games lost. Almtayleb will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Al Riyadi will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked NSA on the road.
Top scorers:
Almtayleb: M.Aliyah 42+9reb+4ast, E.Hany Taline 11+4reb, K.Mathilda 8+4reb, A.Hernandez 8+6reb+3ast, J.Nancy 3+1reb, C.Nour 2+7reb
Al Riyadi: A.Rebecca 36+9reb+5ast, L.Italee 30+9reb+3ast, B.Sarah 12+8reb+4ast, M.Naassan 11+5reb+3ast, M.Ghaleb 8+1reb+3ast, N.Gyokchyan 8+4reb

Azour - Beirut FC 68-43

An interesting game for Azour (9-2) which hosted in one of their biggest challengers Beirut FC (6-5). Third ranked Azour had an easy win 68-43. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Beirut FC. Azour forced 28 Beirut FC turnovers. The winners were led by American forward LeLe Grissett (188, college: S.Carolina) who scored that evening 33 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds and the other American import guard Sabrina Haines (178-1997, college: Kentucky) supported her with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 18 points and 19 rebounds by American Chyna Cornwell (188-2001, college: Rutgers) did not help to save the game for Beirut FC. Maryam Jomaa (165-2003, agency: BIG) added 12 points and 5 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Azour have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 9-2 record having just three points less than leader Al Riyadi. Newly promoted Beirut FC keeps the fourth place with five games lost. They share the position with Antranik. Azour will meet league's second-placed Homentmen in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Beirut FC will play against Antranik and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Beirut FC: C.Cornwell 18+19reb, M.Jomaa 12+4reb+5ast, S.Yasmina 6+2reb+1ast, S.Celine 3+3reb+1ast, K.Rita 2+1reb+1ast, M.Lynn 2+4reb+2ast
Azour: G.LeLe 33+7reb+3ast, H.Sabrina 13+5reb+4ast, T.Raffoul 6+2reb, E.Zena 6+8reb+2ast, P.Assadourian 5+5reb+1ast, K.Richa 3+1reb

NSA - Damour 72-75

Important game to mention about took place in . Eighth ranked Damour (3-9) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 7th ranked NSA (4-8) 75-72 on Saturday evening. Damour brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American Sonia Smith (170, college: GMU) who helped to win the game recording 27 points and the other American import Alexa Hart (190-1995, college: Ohio St.) who added 18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks during the contest. Smith is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Damour's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was Ukrainian center Olesia Malashenko (191-1991) with 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and American DeMyla Brown (170, college: Missouri) scored 20 points and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Damour maintains eighth position with 3-9 record. NSA lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with eight games lost. Damour will play against higher ranked Bkennaya (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. NSA will play against the league's leader Al Riyadi where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
NSA: D.Brown 20+4reb+4ast, O.Malashenko 18+7reb+6ast, K.Erica 13+2reb+1ast, F.Siritta 13+12reb+3ast, M.Nancy 6+6reb+3ast, E.Hajj Zeina 2+2reb+1ast
Damour: S.Sonia 27+4reb+2ast, H.Alexa 18+11reb+4ast, R.Safi 11+7reb+1ast, N.Sevadjian 10+3reb+7ast, T.Kambriss 6+1ast, F.Jarjoura 2

Bkennaya - Homentmen A. 79-115

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Homentmen (11-1) crushed on the road 6th ranked Bkennaya (4-6) 115-79 on Friday. Homentmen looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Bkennaya's players. The winners were led by the former international guard Amar Mansour (175-2004, college: St.Joseph's) who had that evening a triple-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists and American center Angel Baker (173-2000, college: Ole Miss) supported her with 25 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. Five Homentmen A. players scored in double figures. Homentmen A.'s coach felt very confident using 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Korinne Campbell (184-1988, college: WVU) did not help to save the game for Bkennaya. Her fellow American import center Khadijah Brown (190, college: UAPB) added 19 points and 9 rebounds. Homentmen have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Al Riyadi. Bkennaya at the other side keeps the sixth place with six games lost. Homentmen will meet at home Azour (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Bkennaya will play against Damour and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bkennaya: K.Campbell 22+10reb, K.Brown 19+9reb, G.Elsy 10+6reb+2ast, S.Beddawi 9+2reb+6ast, C.Nour 5+3reb+1ast, K.Pia 5+2reb+6ast
Homentmen A.: M.Torossian 30+2ast, B.Angel 25+3reb+5ast, A.Mansour 18+14reb+11ast, G.El 16+6reb+2ast, P.Nasr 10+1reb+6ast, G.Saad 9+4reb+3ast