11 March 2013
BEIRUT: A buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Egyptian veteran Ismael Ahmad earned Riyadi Beirut a 75-72 victory over Amchit Sunday in round two of the final eight at Jbeil. In the two previous encounters, Riyadi secured blowout wins, but they had to battle through this time as Amchit were eager to compensate for their loss just two days earlier against Tripoli side Mouttahed 80-92.
But Riyadi, who were on a mammoth winning streak with eleven successive victories, dominated in the early stages through American Loren Woods, who used his 7-foot-frame under the basket on both ends, which made the Jbeil side suffer. He was also helped by Ahmad and Jean Abdelnour who made a strong return to the court following a two-week absence through a foot injury. Riyadi ended the first quarter with a buzzer-beating 3pointer from Abdelnour to lead 20-12.
The visitors couldnt halt a rampant Riyadi, and another triple from Amir Saoud extended Riyadis lead to 12 midway throughout the second at 28-16. League top scorer Andre Emmett was the hero for Amchit though, finishing with a game high 37 points, matching his 36.6 average per game. And the home side threatened to get back into the game, with Matt Freije and American Herbert Hill following up to reduce the deficit to only a single point with one minute left before the first break.
Abdelnour nailed another buzzer-beating two pointer to give his side a four point lead at the half. Riyadi never surrendered their lead in the third thanks to Woods and Saoud. And unbelievably, Abdelnour hit another buzzer-beating 3-pointer to stretch their lead to 11 going in the final quarter.
But buoyed by a partisan crowd, Emmett led Amchit to a strong comeback with his clinical finishing, helped by compatriot Hill who made his presence felt inside. And only another buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Ahmad gave Riyadi the win. It ended 75-72, as Riyadi jumped to the first place with 18-2, but Sagesse will have the chance to regain pole position when they face Hoops Tuesday.
Loren Woods top scored for Riyadi with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Ahmad added another double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Saoud also contributed with 15 points. Abdelnour also added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
Alongside Emmett, Hill added 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Freije added 9 points and 7 rebounds
Elsewhere, Byblos produced an aggressive defensive performance to see off defending champions Champville 71-51 Saturday at Jbeil.
The win saw Byblos improve to 11-8 whilst Champville slipped to fourth with 12-7. Youngblood top scored for the winners with 24 points, while Mneimneh added 21 points and Mike Fraser contributed with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
Khatib led the scoring for Champville with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Copyright The Daily Star 2013.
