Sagesse Top Homenetmen, 131-120
Sagesse pulled away for a convincing 131-120 D1M win over Homenetmen at Ghazir on Saturday, December 27. Paris Bass led the charge for Sagesse with a game-high 36 points and 14 rebounds. It was an up-tempo, high-scoring affair with both teams combining for 251 points.
The two sides were locked in a tight battle through the first half, heading into the break tied at 69 apiece.
The game featured several highlight plays. The game featured 8 dunks in total, with K. Thomas (Homenetmen) throwing down a powerful slam in the first quarter. Y. Khayat (Sagesse) connected from beyond the arc in the third quarter during a crucial stretch. G. Hadidian was a force on the defensive end with 7 blocks.
Paris Bass was the undeniable star of the game, finishing with 36 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks in 39 minutes of action. He shot 12-of-24 (50%) from the field, 1-of-6 (17%) from three-point range, 11-of-12 (92%) from the free-throw line. The double-double effort underlined his all-around impact on the game. Kevin Murphy provided valuable support with 31 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists. Youssef Khayat also chipped in with 25 points off the starting lineup.
Sagesse also generated 50 fast-break points, capitalizing on every opportunity.
Both teams shot similarly from the field — Sagesse at 53% and Homenetmen at 53%. From beyond the arc, Sagesse connected on 7-of-22 (31%) while Homenetmen managed just 12-of-38 (31%). Sagesse also had the advantage at the charity stripe, converting 38 free throws to Homenetmen's 16.
Sagesse dominated the boards 48-38, including 11 offensive rebounds that led to extra possessions. Sagesse owned the paint with 66 points inside to Homenetmen's 54. Sagesse's ball movement was superior with 28 assists to Homenetmen's 20.
Down the stretch, Sagesse came up clutch when it mattered most. R. Moussa nailed a key basket with 01:35 remaining to help seal the victory.
In a losing effort, Jordan Stevens fought hard for Homenetmen, finishing with 39 points, 7 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals. Khaleed Thomas added 29 points, 7 rebounds, but their combined efforts were not enough to turn the tide.