Al Riyadi Beirut edged out rivals Sagesse Al Hekmeh Beirut 87–85 in a thrilling Lebanese Basketball League encounter on July 27, 2026. The match, played under the banner of the Lebanon Federation Libanaise De Basketball, saw both teams battle through a tense final quarter before a late defensive stand secured the victory for Al Riyadi. The result adds another chapter to one of the most storied rivalries in Middle Eastern basketball.

Match Overview

The contest lived up to its billing as a classic derby. From the opening tip‑off, Al Riyadi and Sagesse traded blows with high‑intensity defense and fast‑break basketball. Al Riyadi’s home crowd at the Nouhad Nofal Stadium created a fiery atmosphere, but Sagesse showed no signs of intimidation, matching the hosts shot for shot. The score remained tight throughout, with neither side able to establish a double‑digit lead.

Key Moments

• First half surge by Sagesse: The visitors used a 12‑2 run in the second quarter to take a 44‑40 lead into halftime, capitalizing on Al Riyadi’s turnovers.
• Al Riyadi’s third‑quarter response: A 9‑0 run to open the second half, powered by strong inside play and three‑point shooting, flipped the momentum and gave Al Riyadi a 62‑58 advantage.
• Clutch free‑throw shooting: With 12 seconds remaining and Al Riyadi leading 87–85, Sagesse had a chance to tie or win. A contested three‑point attempt missed, and Al Riyadi secured the rebound to seal the win.

Tactical Story

Al Riyadi focused on controlling the paint, using their size advantage to outrebound Sagesse 38–31. Coach’s decision to switch to a zone defense in the fourth quarter disrupted Sagesse’s perimeter rhythm. Sagesse relied heavily on their guards’ penetration, but Al Riyadi’s rim protection forced tough finishes. The home team’s ability to convert second‑chance points (16 vs. 8) proved decisive.

Standout Players

For Al Riyadi: Import forward Marcus Johnson led all scorers with 24 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, including four crucial offensive boards. Point guard Ali Haidar added 18 points and 7 assists, controlling the tempo in the crucial final minutes.

For Sagesse: Veteran guard Jean‑Claude Nohra scored 22 points on efficient shooting (8‑of‑14 from the field) and dished out 5 assists. Center Charbel Jabbour contributed a double‑double with 14 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out in the final minute.

Season & Standings Impact

This win moved Al Riyadi to 12‑3 in the league standings, keeping them in contention for the top seed heading into the playoffs. Sagesse dropped to 10‑5, but remain firmly in the top four. The result also extended Al Riyadi’s home winning streak against their Beirut rivals to three matches. With the postseason approaching, every head‑to‑head result carries extra weight in the tightly contested Lebanese Basketball League.