ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - It's never easy winning in enemy territory.

Al Riyadi's bid of going back-to-back in the FIBA WASL-West Asia League faces a tough challenge ahead as Game 2 of the best-of-3 title series heads into Shahrdary Gorgan's own stomping grounds that is the famed Azadi Basketball Hall in Tehran, Iran.

But head coach Ahmad Farran is hardly worried whatsoever.

"We experienced it last season. We went to Tehran without homecourt advantage and we managed to win," said the champion mentor during the post-game presser of their 95-60 Game 1 victory witnessed by a sizable crowd at the Stade Nouhad Nawfal.

Farran's optimism stems from the inaugural West Asia Final, which also featured the present protagonists of the ongoing sub-zone finale between two of the league's favorites.

Unlike this year's rematch, Gorgan had the homecourt advantage back then and Game 1 was held in the Iranian capital. But that "advantage" hardly worked in their favor as the Yellow Castle survived a second-half assault and came away with the 87-79 win.

Eventually, they won the crown by way of a 114-100 masterclass in front of their solid fans that trooped to Zouk Mikael, giving the club another international title in its collection.

Now, it's different. Al Riyadi hold the homecourt edge yet then again, their pursuit of keeping the throne as kings of the sub-zone will have to see them conquer Tehran once again. It will actually be their first time returning to the venue since that Game 1 last season.

But given the precedence, plus the 35-point rout, the team likes their chances.

"We are the last Lebanese team who managed to win in Tehran. Riyadi did it," claimed Farran. "I hope we can go and do the job and finish it."

Still, it's never lost on Al Riyadi the kind of team they're facing. Although they limited Gorgan, who headed into this Final unbeaten in eight games, to a season-low 60 points, they expect no less than a massive retaliation from their foes, fueled by their home fans.

"We won. We were the better team. But for sure the next game, it won't be easy at all," warned Farran. "This team, they don't know the word quitting so I think they will play hard and play tough especially with their pride to try to win and tie the series."

"We have a big job to do," he added.

FIBA