Agencies
DOHA
Al Riyadi ruled the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) 2024 following an 100-90 overtime win over Sagesse in the Final on Saturday at the Lusail Multipurpose Hall.
Outstanding performances from Wael Arakji and Thon Maker enabled the reigning two-time West Asia League champions to cement their status as kings of the region.
Maker finished with 35 points and 15 rebounds, while Arakji delivered 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists as the two took turns in lifting Al Riyadi from a nine-point deficit early in regulation to eventually own yet another chapter of the famed Beirut Derby.
Arakji nailed 3 straight 3-pointers to tie the game at 79-all and send the game into an extra period, before Maker nailed the dagger trey with 37.0 seconds left to play to seal the deal.
Amir Saoud had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. Karim Zeinoun supplied 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists as the two guards came through in OT. Veteran big man Elmedin Kikanovic made his presence felt as well with 11 points and 9 rebounds.
On the other hand, Cleanthony Early had 25 points and 10 rebounds while Jonathan Gibson made 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists to lead Sagesse in the loss.
Defending champions of the Lebanese Basketball Championship, Al Riyadi are the first team to win a FIBA WASL double crown, having won the West Asia Sub-Zone League as well.
By winning the pan-regional competition, Al Riyadi have earned their ticket to the inaugural Basketball Champions League Asia (BCL Asia) on June 9-15 in Dubai, UAE.
They will be carrying the FIBA WASL flag together with Shahrdary Gorgan, who finished third in the meet after beating Kuwait Club in the Third-Place Game, 92-76.
FIBA West Asia Super League 2023-24 Final Standings
1. Al Riyadi
2. Sagesse SC
3. Shahrdary Gorgan
4. Kuwait Club.
