Fast Link of Jordan and Al Riyadhi of Lebanon will clash in the final of the 16th Dubai International Basketball Championship after winning their respective semifinal matches at Al Ahli Club's Maktoum Bin Mohammad indoor sports hall yesterday.
Fast Link, representing Dubai Duty Free, routed Blue Star of Lebanon, representing Mega Mall-Sharjah, 89-67 in the first semifinals.
Al Riyadhi of Lebanon, wearing the colours of Steelfab, fought hard to beat Al Ittihad of Syria representing Al Halabi refrigeration 80-74.
The final will be played tomorrow. The match for the third place between Blue Star and Al Ittihad will be held prior to the final.
Fast Link's strong defence helped them outplay Blue Star. Mario Benit, James Peter and Ayman Di'aibes were virtually unbeatable under the basket as they denied Blue Star several scoring chances.
The two teams shared the lead at the beginning with the score tied 4-4, 6-6 and 8-8. However, Fast Link took the lead at 11-8 and never looked back again. They ended the first quarter 26-11 ahead helped along by a three pointer by Anfar Shwabsouga.
Fast Link continued dominating the second quarter.
Ayman Di'aibes was in fine form yesterday. He played a significant role in Fast Link reaching the final as he won the top scorer award with 27 points.
James Peter and Mario Benit also displayed excellent form under the hoop and in the attack with both of them scoring many dunks to the joy of the Jordanians who supported their team all through the match.
Fast Link finished the first half leading 44-27 despite good efforts by Rony Fahd and Mark Strakland for Blue Star.
Fast Link tightened their grip on the match in the third quarter with swift moves by Shwabsouga, Ashraf Rasim and Osama Daghlas who widened the gap to 30 points in the third quarter 67-37 and finished with 69-41.
Dani Johnson of Blue Star tried hard in the fourth quarter through three pointers, but it did not help to reduce the big lead which Fast Link had made and it was very difficult for Blue Star to come back into the match.
The Fast Link coach gave the chance to some reserve players after they were ensured of a big victory at 89-67.
In the second semifinals, Al Riyadhi of Lebanon came from behind to beat Al Ittihad of Syria 19-27, 42-43, 66-61 and 80-74 following a tough match.
Results
Fast Link 89 Blue Star 67
Al Riyadhi 80 Al Ittihad 74
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