ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - Lebanon has never beaten Korea in the World Cup Qualifiers. Until now.
Led by their next generation of stars-in-waiting, the Cedars finally got the bogey off their backs, besting Korea to open their Window 4 campaign on a winning note, much to the delight of their adoring home fans.
23-year-old forward Youssef Khayat - who has impressed in phases in the past - today took a big step in terms of consistency through all four quarters.
He eventually finished with 21 points, including two emphatic throwdowns.
He was joined off the bench by 2000-born small forward Omar Jamaleddine, who had a double double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.
With charismatic Cedars point guard Wael Arakji missing this window, it appeared that Korea would have the more eager first step. That proved to be the case as Korea took the lead within two minutes of tip-off and maintained it almost till the end of the third period, before Lebanon's buoyant takeover.
After shooting at a high clip in the first half, Korea struggled after the break, while Lebanon won the paint battle hands down, outrebounding Korea 51-30.
Previous Head-to-Head Results in the World Cup Asian Qualifiers
Edition | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|
2027 | 93-74 | Lebanon |
2019 | 84-72 | Korea |
2019 | 84-71 | Korea |
FIBA