Will Cherry lauded as Gorgan beat deep Al Riyadi with just one foreigner

TEHRAN (Iran) - It's never easy going to battle with limited weaponry against a unit with an artillery so deep, yet Shahrdary Gorgan proved once more that anything is possible.

The reigning three-time Iranian Basketball League champions showed that they can win games even with just one foreign reinforcement after dragging Al Riyadi to a do-or-die affair by way of a 95-85 Game 2 win in the FIBA WASL-West Asia Season 2 Final, Monday night.

"This game was very important. They spend much more money than us. They have I think five foreign players, and we have only one," said a proud Sina Vahedi.

Will Cherry starred in the victory with a game-high 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, together with 4 steals and 1 block in yet another all-around performance that left their faithful that packed the Azadi Basketball Hall beaming with so much pride.

The American floor general saw action for a total of 39 minutes and 33 seconds, playing with almost no rest once more as he's been carrying much of the load for Gorgan since naturalized Lebanese big man Norvel Pelle left the team prior to their Semi-Final clash versus Al Shorta.

Coach Mostafa Hashemi's men did sweep their Iraqi counterparts but their problem of missing extra pieces reared its ugly head in Game 1 of the sub-zone finale last week.

The team shot poorly from the field (30.9-percent) and without the presence of somebody like the towering Pelle around the rim to at least help give themselves second chances, the crew got obliterated by the defending West Asia League champions by way of 95-60 result.

Thon Maker (20 points, 7 rebounds) spelled the difference in that win and although he did not see action in Game 2 due to an injury, Al Riyadi flew into the Iranian capital with a complete lineup by plugging back in Sani Sakakini to join Elmedin Kikanovic and Jonathon Simmons.

Yet Gorgan managed to take down the Lebanese powerhouse to keep their title hopes alive, with Cherry spearheading the balanced attack that saw six players score in double digits, including star big man Arsalan Kazemi and the unlikely spark in Yousof Vand.

"We had a really tough loss in Lebanon and I'm really happy for my team and for this game. We played really well. I want to congratulate the coaching staff and my teammates," said Vahedi.

And to have pulled off the win despite their situation makes everything all the more sweeter for a squad that's also motivated to get back at Al Riyadi for what happened last season.

"We played only with one foreign player, and I hope that we can add foreign players and play better. But I'm happy with this win. I want to thank Will Cherry as he brings so much energy, especially defensively," stated the 23-year-old Vahedi, who had 19 points and 7 assists.

"We lost to them last year, and I think it was really valuable for me and the team to get this win at home. We thank God for this win. But it's not over yet," he added.

FIBA