LIB - Akl provides spark as NT win

BEIRUT (2011 FIBA Asia Championship) - Lebanon claimed a confidence-boosting 78-67 friendly win over Algeria in their latest warm-up game for next month's FIBA Asia Championship in China.

Ghassan Sarkis' side broke open a close game in the fourth quarter with a 24-15 run.

Rodrigue Akl, one of the players to watch next month for Lebanon judging from his performances so far this summer, had another solid game with 15 points.

Mohammed Ibrahim contributed 14 points and Bassel Bawji 10.

"The boys showed a lot of character and played with passion," Sarkis said.

"It was a very physical game and good experience for us."

The game was played in Turkey, where Lebanon are holding a training camp.

The Lebanese will next face Ukraine and Qatar.

At the FIBA Asia Championship in Wuhan, which runs from September 15 to 25, Lebanon will compete in Group A with Indian, Korea and Malaysia.

The winner of the event will book a place at the London Games while the sides that finish second and third will earn invitations to the 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament where three other spots for London will be up for grabs.

FIBA