Al-Riyadi Overwhelm Beirut, 121-102
Al-Riyadi delivered a comprehensive 121-102 beatdown of Beirut in D1M action at Chiyah Arena on Sunday, December 28. Hayk Gyokchyan led the charge for Al-Riyadi with a game-high 28 points and 6 assists. It was an up-tempo, high-scoring affair with both teams combining for 223 points.
Beirut took a 58-50 lead into halftime, but Al-Riyadi mounted a stunning second-half comeback, outscoring Beirut 71-44 after the break. The third quarter was the decisive stretch, with Al-Riyadi outscoring their opponents 39-24 to swing the momentum in their favor. Al-Riyadi closed the game strong with a 32-20 fourth-quarter effort.
The game featured several highlight plays. The game featured 6 dunks in total, with T. Jackson (Beirut) throwing down a powerful slam in the first quarter. H. Gyokchyan (Al-Riyadi) connected from beyond the arc in the second quarter during a crucial stretch. H. Gyokchyan was a force on the defensive end with 3 blocks.
Hayk Gyokchyan was the undeniable star of the game, finishing with 28 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks in 31 minutes of action. He shot 11-of-15 (73%) from the field, 6-of-8 (75%) from three-point range. The team was a remarkable +23 with him on the floor. Nuni Omot provided valuable support with 26 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists. Maurice Kemp also chipped in with 21 points off the starting lineup.
The Al-Riyadi bench added 13 points to the cause. Ali Mansour was the standout reserve, providing 10 points, 9 assists in a spark-plug role. Al-Riyadi also generated 18 fast-break points, capitalizing on every opportunity.
Al-Riyadi held a significant edge in field goal shooting at 66% compared to Beirut's 59%. Al-Riyadi also had the advantage at the charity stripe, converting 20 free throws to Beirut's 10.
Al-Riyadi dominated the boards 29-22. Al-Riyadi's ball movement was superior with 38 assists to Beirut's 26. Al-Riyadi was in control for much of the game, building a lead of up to 22 points and putting together a 10-0 scoring run.
The biggest momentum shift came when Al-Riyadi put together a 10-0 run in the third quarter, leaving their opponents scrambling to respond.
In a losing effort, Albert James English fought hard for Beirut, finishing with 41 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals. Daniel Dominique Hamilton added 21 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, but their combined efforts were not enough to turn the tide.