NSA Top Chabeb El Batroun, 91-79
NSA pulled away for a convincing 91-79 D1M win over Chabeb El Batroun at Fouad Chehab Stadium on Friday, February 13. Petar Rakicevic led the charge for NSA with a game-high 27 points. The lead changed hands 6 times before NSA eventually pulled away for good.
NSA took a 42-40 lead into halftime.
The game featured several highlight plays. D. Hall (Chabeb El Batroun) threw down a powerful dunk in the second quarter, one of 4 dunks in the game. K. Kozah (Chabeb El Batroun) connected from beyond the arc in the second quarter during a crucial stretch. J. Nurse was a force on the defensive end with 2 blocks.
Petar Rakicevic was the undeniable star of the game, finishing with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists in 40 minutes of action. He shot 8-of-12 (67%) from the field, 4-of-4 (100%) from three-point range, 7-of-8 (88%) from the free-throw line. Stefan Jankovic provided valuable support with 21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals. Christophe Khalil also chipped in with 14 points off the starting lineup.
NSA also generated 22 fast-break points, capitalizing on every opportunity.
NSA held a significant edge in field goal shooting at 55% compared to Chabeb El Batroun's 43%. From beyond the arc, NSA connected on 11-of-21 (52%) while Chabeb El Batroun managed just 7-of-23 (30%). NSA also had the advantage at the charity stripe, converting 16 free throws to Chabeb El Batroun's 10.
NSA was in control for much of the game, building a lead of up to 15 points.
The biggest momentum shift came when Chabeb El Batroun put together a 10-0 run in the first quarter, leaving their opponents scrambling to respond.
In a losing effort, Darious Hall fought hard for Chabeb El Batroun, finishing with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals. Desmond Washington added 23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, but their combined efforts were not enough to turn the tide.