GHAZIR (Lebanon) - Sagesse SC posted their most convincing win yet in the 2025-26 FIBA WASL-West Asia League after dealing Al Riyadi a sound 105-91 beating at the Ghazir Club Stadium, Wednesday night.
The Green Castle took the lead early but it wasn't until the third canto where they'd break away, eventually writing this latest chapter of the age-old rivalry in their favor - something they haven't done in quite a while.
The last time they won the Beirut Derby in the pan-regional meet was during its second season, a 109-106 decision in Game 2 of their best-of-3 Semi-Finals in the Sub-Zone League back in April 3, 2024 - in the same venue.
It sure took a while for that to happen again but it's better late than never, as the saying goes, and making this recent win even sweeter was the fact that it was their second in a row after a 0-3 start into the season.
"It's so sweet, to be honest, to beat Riyadi," said head coach Joe Ghattas. "They're the back-to-back champions, they've been the Lebanese champions for the last few years, so this game means a lot to us."
Paris Bass erupted for 35 points and 13 rebounds in a scintillating performance that left the partisan crowd in awe, playing a crucial role in their good start as he scored 15 in the first half to help set the tone in their favor.
The athletic forward shot an efficient 58.3-percent from the floor, including an array of highlight-worthy dunks, and also chalked up 3 assists and 3 steals in the 39 minutes he saw action to finish with an efficiency of 40.
Kevin Murphy, himself a former member of the Yellow Castle, delivered 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, with Walter Hodge supplying 15 points and 6 assists as the two combined for a quartet of three-pointers.
Yoyo Khayat made 12 points and 6 rebounds in a showing highlighted by a rare four-point play against the defense Hayk Gyokchyan that pushed their lead to 82-64 with 46.9 seconds remaining in the third canto.
The talented winger also tallied a pair of assists, one of which led to a Murphy trifecta that pushed their lead to its biggest at 22 points, 93-71, with less than seven minutes remaining in the final period.
Gerard Hadidian contributed nicely as well with 10 points and 8 rebounds off the bench as Sagesse leaned on a balanced attack to continue their turnaround - and remain very much in contention for the Semi-Finals.
"We need to build on this game for the future. It's just the beginning. I got all respect for the Riyadi team, all their players and coaching staff, but tonight we managed to win the game," Ghattas said.
For naught went the 29 points and 6 rebounds by Nuni Omot for Al Riyadi, who fell to 4-2 following the defeat but still remained on top of the standings.
Perrin Buford made 17 points and 7 rebounds plus 4 assists. Karim Zeinoun produced 16 points while Gyokchyan added 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists for the WASL-West Asia League 'four-peat' seekers.
FIBA