BEIRUT (Lebanon) - Some games define a season. Some define a league. Sagesse vs. Al Riyadi? It defines a culture.
This isn't just another matchup in FIBA WASL West Asia - it's a battle with decades of history, passion, and moments that live on long after the final buzzer. Every time these two teams step on the court, it's more than just basketball. It's about pride, legacy, and a city divided by loyalty but united by the game.
Now, another chapter is about to be written.
I heard it’s going to be a tough game, and that’s exactly what I want.
"We know each other too well"
Last season, this rivalry delivered some of the most intense battles WASL has ever seen. Now, both teams are ready to go again.
"We played them like 13 times last year," Sagesse's Omar Jamaleddine said. "I think we know each other pretty well. It's always a great fight, and I love the competitiveness. That's what you play basketball for."
For Riyadi head coach Ahmad El Farran, this game is always a little bit different than others.
"It's always 50-50," he said. "People think Sagesse is not performing well, but I believe it’s the opposite. They will come and play because it's against Riyadi. We also have to show up."
This is a game where form doesn't matter. Standings don't matter. The only thing that counts is what happens when the ball is tipped and the crowd erupts.
The energy, the atmosphere, and the fans who make it special
Every Sagesse-Riyadi game carries weight, but it's the electric atmosphere that makes it unforgettable.
"I heard it's going to be a tough game, and that's exactly what I want," said George King, one of Riyadi's newest stars.
"There's nothing better than hitting a shot when the whole crowd is yelling against you. That's what you dream about as a kid."
The passion from the fans fuels the players.
"I love when the fans are engaged," King added. "You feel the energy, and it just adds to the environment. The drums pounding, the crowd yelling - it's why we play."
For Coach El Farran, the noise is part of the experience.
"It will be an all-star atmosphere, and we're used to it," he said. "We always have great games against Sagesse. It doesn’t matter who is in better form - it’s going to be a battle."
Whether it's Riyadi's fans packing the stands in yellow or Sagesse’s green-clad supporters shaking the building, one thing is certain: the energy will be unmatched.
Sagesse's mentality: Proving Themselves
Sagesse comes into this game knowing what it means for their season.
"We needed this win today heading into the derby," said Gerard Hadidian after their last game against Al Difaa.
Every day is another chance for us to prove ourselves.
For Sagesse, this isn't just about facing a rival - it's about responding to challenges, proving they belong, and reminding everyone that they are just as dangerous as ever.
Wael Arakji: The champion's mentality
If there's one player who thrives in moments like these, it's Wael Arakji.
We cannot play as if we've won it already. We need to earn it every night.
"We're used to playing under pressure," he said. "We've been living in it day in and day out. Our team is not fully ready yet, but we're going to give it our all. We want to win every single game and show everyone that we’re the champions."
For Arakji, Riyadi's past success means nothing if they don’t continue to prove themselves.
"Forget what happened last year and focus on this year," he added. "We cannot play as if we've won it already. We need to earn it every night."
That mindset has made him one of the best guards in Asia, and it's why Riyadi is always a threat in the biggest moments.
Another Classic in the Making
Some games come and go. This one stays forever.
The players know it. The fans know it. The city knows it.
Every possession will be a fight. Every moment will be magnified. And when it’s over, one team will walk away with the bragging rights - until they meet again.
Sagesse. Riyadi. The rivalry that never fades.
FIBA