BEIRUT: American center Chris Daniels starred with 28 points and 12 rebounds as Sagesse clinched a valuable 81-75 victory against fifth-placed Byblos at Ghazir Sunday in the opening match of round 16 in the Lebanese Basketball League. Sagesse moved provisionally to first place with 12-4, one win ahead of Riyadi, Mouttahed and Amchit – the three teams have a game in hand.
The green side played their first match at home since their heartbreaking defeat against Homenetmen last week, and their start wasn’t a positive indicator as they trailed 22-15 early in the second.
The Jbeil side controlled the boards through Mike Fraser, who was as usual dominant in the paint, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds.
But Sagesse kept themselves in contention at 32-32 at the interval, thanks to Daniels and Rodrigue Akl, who scored a 2-point basket at the buzzer.
Both teams continued to exchange the lead, but no one could control the tempo; while Youngblood was instrumental for Nenad Vucinic’s side, Daniels was demonstrating his skills under the basket.
With Sagesse ahead 54-53 into the fourth, Youngblood struck from distance to give the visitors a 61-57 lead with seven minutes to go. But Daniels had other ideas, as he dominated inside showing great footwork. With five minutes to go, the score was tied at 61 all.
Akl, who has been in a rich vein of form this season, was on the verge of another triple-double, and his 3-pointer helped his cause, giving his side a one-point lead.
Moments later, American forward Charles Thomas nailed a crucial 3-pointer to extend the hosts’ lead to six, before they eventually wrapped up the game 81-75.
The loss dealt a blow to Byblos’ chances to compete for one of the first four places, as they will possibly trail by two games at the end of this round with two game to go before the playoffs. They sit now in fifth place with 10-6.
Alongside Daniels, Akl was one assist shy from recording his second triple-double as he finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Thomas added 15 points, while Rustom added nine. Julian Khazzouh had six points and seven rebounds.
For Byblos, Youngblood led the scoring with 24 points and five assists, Fraser posted 13 points and 16 rebounds while Kanaan netted 15 points.
Both teams shot below 30 percent from the 3-point line.
Elsewhere, Homenetmen extended their unbeaten run to six games after routing Tadamon Zouk 92-60 to secure sixth place Saturday at Mezher. The Armenian side also avenged their first leg loss of 78-75.
Homenetmen secured their playoffs spot, as they look to build on a historic appearance thus far, having recorded eight wins from 15 games.
They are now three games ahead of Tadamon in seventh and Champville in eighth.
Homenetment’s American duo impressed once again as Terrence Leather netted 32 points and 8 rebounds, and Dion Dixon added 31 points, six rebounds and six assists. Hayk Gyokchyan also added 16 points and five rebounds.
For Tadamon, who produced one of their worst performances this season, American Hugh Robertson led the scoring with 18 points and Nadim Souaid added 13. American Jarrid Famous posted 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Mouttahed joined Saturday a four-way tie at the summit, after cruising past bottom side Hoops 85-72. Mouttahed are tied with Riyadi, Sagesse and Amchit at 11-4, as the battle for first place remains open.
American center Hassan Whiteside continued his dominant performance after registering 32 points and 23 rebounds, while his compatriot Corey Williams added 19 points and nine assists.
Palestinian center Sani Sakakini was the best player for Hoops with 26 points and 21 rebounds, and American point guard Brandon Johnson added 17 points and five assists.
Hoops remain in last place at 1-14.
(The Daily Star)