ZOUK MIKAEL (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Sweet shooter Amir Saoud caught fire as Lebanon recorded a convincing win over Syria in the second window.

Saoud sank four three-pointers and shot 8-of-17 overall from the field to lead the Cedars with 26 points while also adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. He was backstopped by 19 points from brilliant backcourt partner Wael Arakji and a dozen from naturalized center Ater Majok.

Newly minted naturalized wingman Justin Hawkins paced Syria with 24 points, while seasoned veteran Micheal Madanly had 13.

Syria had a strong start to this game, leading by as many as 8 in the first period before the Lebanese woke up from their stupor and wrested the advantage from their foes right before the second quarter started. Lebanon carried a 7-point bulge at the half, and a big 9-0 run to start the third quarter broke the game open. Syria could not recover from that for the rest of the match.

Lebanon ruled the battle of the boards in this joust, 45-39, and they were more potent scoring in the paint (38-28) and in transition (22-10).

Lebanon try to go for their third win on the road against India on 26 February, while Syria hope to bounce back when they face Jordan at the Prince Hamza stadium in Amman.

FIBA