CHENZHOU (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2016) - Today’s game between Al Riyadi and Petrochimi will be the latest chapter in the heated rivalry between West Asian powerhouses Lebanon and Iran. The last time the two countries met each other on the hardwood at a FIBA Asia men’s tournament was way back in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship, with Iran prevailing in a romp, 76-45. In that encounter, Iran was flat out dominant, outscoring Lebanon in every quarter and just outclassing their fellow West Asia foes.

That’s about the only lopsided thing in this rivalry, though, because Iran and Lebanon are two of the most successful countries in the continent and, arguably, the two highest performing countries in West Asia.

Iran have placed on the FIBA Asia Champions Cup podium 7 times with 5 titles, while Lebanon have been on the podium 9 times with 4 titles. In the history of the FIBA Asia Championship, Iran have 3 titles and 1 third place finish, while Lebanon have garnered 3 second place finishes. As for the FIBA Asia Cup/Challenge, Iran have brought home 3 crowns, while Lebanon have 1 title.

In total, Team Melli and the Cedars have combined for 27 podium finishes highlighted by 16 championships. That’s a testament to the depth and passion both countries have for the game of basketball, and it will all be left on the floor later when Al Riyadi and Petrochimi — both unbeaten entering the game — collide.

The Lebanese, in particular, are probably entering the match with a big chip on their shoulder. They failed to qualify to the FIBA Asia Challenge earlier this year, and a good showing by Al Riyadi here should bring the country back up in terms of exposure and prominence in the Asian hoops scene. Al Riyadi also were not able to dispute the previous Champions Cup trophy (back in 2012) with then Iranian champion club Mahram Tehran because that competition’s Final was cancelled for security reasons. The Lebanese, however, beat the Iranians, 88-63, earlier in that tourney.

A year before, Al Riyadi defeated Mahram Tehran twice en route to winning the 2011 FIBA Asia Champions Cup held in Manila. This was a reversal of fortune compared to 2010 and 2009 when Mahram Tehran completely dominated Al Riyadi. The Iranians beat the Lebanese three times in those years and claimed both the 2009 and 2010 Champions Cup crowns.

This means that, dating back to 2009, Al Riyadi have drawn level with their Iranian counterparts — 3 wins and 3 losses. Iran brought home the Champions Cup titles in 2009 and 2010, but Lebanon snatched it in 2011 before their unfinished business in 2012.

Consequently, the melee later on between Al Riyadi and Petrochimi will be a virtual rubber match and maybe even a preview of sorts if these teams meet again perhaps in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2016 Final.

Additionally, the losing team, by finishing second in Group A, will almost certainly face hosts China Kashgar before the Final. The Chinese have proven to be quite indomitable so far, and facing them for anything but the championship trophy is not ideal for either the Lebanese or the Iranians.

Of course, it also goes without saying that the personalities involved will deepen the storylines even more. Al Riyadi’s Fadi El Khatib is in the twilight of his storied career, while young guns Wael Arakji and Karim Zeinoun are just starting theirs. As for Petrochimi, veteran Oshin Sahakian has been leading by example in front of rising stars Behnam Yakhchali, Mohammad Hassanzadeh and Sajjad Mashayekhi. The import match ups are sure to excite as well, with Dewarwick Spencer and Alade Aminu playing solidly for Al Riyadi, while James White and Gerald Robinson have been putting up big numbers for Petrochimi.

And so there we have it. There’s a score to be settled, a tie to be broken and the Group A top seed up for grabs. It does not get much better than this, the stakes don’t get much higher and it will not get much more intense than Al Riyadi versus Petrochimi on Day 5 at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2016.

FIBA