Dubai: 2010 Asian Clubs Champions Al Riyadhi of Lebanon stamped their class as they thrashed Arab Clubs Champions 106-70 to clinch the title, while hosts Al Shabab took third place ahead of Champville, Lebanon at the inaugural 2nd December International Basketball Tournament at Al Shabab Club late on Sunday.
Esmail Al Gergawi, President, UAE Basketball Association was the chief guest and presented the winner’s trophy to the Lebanon champions.
In the final both teams took time to open the scoring, but once they did get going the Lebanese went tearing away to a 13-2 cushion with man of the match Jan Abdul Noor leading the scorers with six points and 4.32 left on the clock in the opening period.
Sharjah tried to fight back using Larry Cox’s height against some staunch defending from the Lebanese in the second period, but the visitors only took the home side on quick counters with Dewarick Spencer scoring 13 of his 20 points during this period to help Al Riyadhi to a comfortable 52-32 lead at half-time.
Within the first couple of minutes of the third quarter, Al Riyadhi were steaming ahead by 30 points (62-32) with Voegel’s sinking in a couple of shots from outside the area making a huge difference. With just 1.07 minutes left for the third period to end, Al Riyadhi doubling their lead at 82-41 to finish the quarter at 87-47.
Coach Fuad Abu Shakra pulled out all his stars and inserted his young guns in an attempt to give them some vital time on court. These too simply continued with the scoring blitz with Omar Al Turk’s couple of three-pointers along with one from Hassan Al Lakibi pushing the two teams further adrift as Al Riyadhi finished at 106-70.
Results:
(Final) Al Riyadhi bt Sharjah Club 106-70.
(Third Place Play-off) Al Shabab bt Champville, Lebanon 89-73.
