Lebanon beat Afrobasket champions to build momentum for Window 2

DUBAI (United Arab Emirates) - Lebanon are building momentum heading into Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers after being crowned champions of the Arab Basketball Championship 2022.

The title was won when Lebanon beat 2-time defending Afrobasket champions Tunisia, 72-69, in the championship game. This is also Lebanon’s first time winning the Arab Basketball Championship.

Star guard Wael Arakji recorded a spectacular statistical performance with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists while making all 7 of his free-throw attempts. Throughout the tournament Arakji averaged 15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per contest.

Ali Haidar and Sergio El Dawich were the other double-digit scoring contributors with 16 points and 14 points, respectively.

Lebanon were spectacular through their 5-game undefeated run in the competition. Aside from their win in the championship game, Lebanon also defeated Jordan in the Quarter-Finals of the competition, 64-52, on February 13.

The two teams will face each other again on February 24 in their first game of the second window in Amman. Lebanon are also undefeated in the World Cup Qualifiers, while Jordan suffered a lost to Saudi Arabia in the previous window.

The roster utilized by Lebanon at the Arab Basketball Championship features many players that are listed in their preliminary 15-player roster for the second window.

Aside from the aforementioned 3 players, the preliminary roster also includes Ater Majok who is tied for most blocks in the Asian Qualifiers as well as Yousef Khayat who turned heads with his performance in Window 1.

After their game against Jordan, Lebanon will play their second game of the window in another away game in Jeddah against Saudi Arabia.

FIBA