DUBAI (United Arab Emirates) - Al Riyadi ran roughshod over Taoyuan Pauian, 99-82, in a strong closeout to the BCL Asia 2025 Group Phase, Monday night at the Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Sports Hall.
Wael Arakji kick-started the rally before the others shifted the momentum into high gear toward the rout as the defending champions went on to clinch the no. 1 spot in Group C with a clean 2-0 record.
The Yellow Castle have also extended their winning streak in the FIBA club competition this year to 15, dating back to the 2025 FIBA WASL-West Asia League, against a team that played without their main man.
The Pilots competed without Lu Chun-Hsiang due to the right ankle injury he sustained early in their eventual win over the Changwon LG Sakers last Saturday, which reduced him to a spectator on the sidelines.
Nonetheless, both Riyadi and Taoyuan Pauian are headed to the Quarter-Finals on June 11.
Arakji starred in the victory with 33 points, 11 of which he made in the opening quarter alone - including a buzzer-beating jumper to end the said period - to lead his side to a 30-20 lead that set the tone for the win.
*This article will be updated.