Al Riyadi finish off Gorgan, secure back-to-back West Asia titles

ZOUK MIKAEL (Lebanon) - Al Riyadi remained the gold standard in FIBA WASL-West Asia after conquering Shahrdary Gorgan, 100-78, in Game 3 of the Final, Wednesday night.

Buoyed by their ever-supportive faithful that filled the Stade Nouhad Nawfal, the Yellow Castle seized control early on before pulling away for good late in the second chapter on the way to keeping their hold of the throne in the sub-zone league for the second season in a row.

"I'm so proud. I give all the credit to my players," said head coach Ahmad Farran. "We did prepare them well but in the end, it was all the players and the energy they gave."

The home team attacked from various fronts, with Thon Maker and Elmedin Kikanovic leading the way with 23 points apiece. Maker shot an efficient 9-of-14 from the field and also collected 12 rebounds, 1 steal, and 4 blocks against only 1 turnover in 24 minutes off the bench.

Maker himself spelled the difference anew, scoring 10 of his points in the second period alone that saw him lead their charge in turning a six-point lead to a 54-38 lead entering the half.

The game would never be in doubt since. Their lead went up by as high as 27 points, 91-64, behind a Kikanovic conversion inside approaching the final four minutes of the match as the fans were starting to celebrate yet another championship for the Lebanese powerhouse.

Amir Saoud produced 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 rebounds, while the starting backcourt tandem of main man Arakji and Jonathon Simmons delivered 12 points each.

"The guys executed the plan perfectly and it showed in our numbers," said Farran as his wards shot 50-percent from the floor, mainly behind their 24 assists - against just 6 turnovers. "It was amazing. The team worked. We did everything to win this game. It was a success."

Now, Al Riyadi will have their sights focused on the FIBA WASL Final 8 next, looking of course to bring home the biggest prize of them all after falling short back in Season 1.

Will Cherry, on the other hand, finished with 19 points and 6 assists with 2 steals to lead Gorgan, who lost again to the same team that beat them in the inaugural West Asia Final.

New signee Diamond Stone backed him up with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Navid Rezaeifar made 12 points, spiked by a pair of triples, while Sina Vahedi chipped in 10 in the defeat.

FIBA