Lebanese Basketball Championship - Men Division One - Regular Season 2005/06

Starters:      Bassem Balaa - Paul Khoury - Fady Khatib - Kenny Satterfield - Jerod Ward
Substitutes:  George Chibani- Joe Ghattas - Yervant Avakian - Robert Boudagher
 

For the second time this season, the mighty Greens face Zahle's own "Anibal", tonight on Ghazir stadium for the last appearance on this court as Sagesse’s own home court. 

In a more or less depopulated stadium, but in an effervescent atmosphere, the game took off with Kenny Satterfield, Fadi El Khatib, Jerad Ward, Bassem Balaa and Paul Khoury. 
With a man-to-man defense, rotating with a double-team defense when needed, Sagesse was trying its best to secure its zone. The scoring opener was granted by a superb three pointer by Kenny who just recovered from his injury. 
As a matter of fact, the duo Kenny/Ward proved to be an efficient formula, especially with Ward's masterful dunks that put the show on. 
Although the opponents were investing in speed to reduce the score gap, they couldn't avoid trailing by 8 points with a score of 10-2 at 6:03 min. left from the first quarter. 
Efficient on different positions, Ward was moving outside and inside the zone, along with the Tiger, always available to secure the finish when needed. 
Even though the Greens dominated, the shots dissipation and the easy passes granted to Anibal alerted coach Dragan who asked for a time-out, focusing again on defense. 

The second quarter began with Chibani replacing Kenny, along with the other starters. 
While it was pouring points with Wards three pointers shots, Anibal provided good defense under the basket. Sagesse was meanwhile falling in the traps of fouls to stop Anibal offensively. Another time-out was asked, as the players dissipated shots, playing for the show. Paul was replaced by Joe Ghattas to strengthen the defense. 
So far, man-to-man system seemed to mostly cripple the opponents, benefiting from Bassem's presence on the inside and with Ward's rotation in the zone and out. 
After a couple of missed shots, Yervant and Robert Bou Dagher stepped in, replacing Chibani and Balaa at 2:48 min left. Defensive flaws continued since Anibal players were driving easily to the basket and having room to dunk . Both changes (Yervant and Robert) were showing a good performance so far and the quarter finished with a score of 53-25 to Sagesse. 

Playing zone defense and switching to man-to-man, Anibal were still trailing at the beginning of the third quarter which started with Bassem, Paul, Ward, Kenny and Fadi. 
Sagesse continued its lead with a distinguishable 5-0 run thanks to a three pointer and mid-distance shot. Once again, Joe entered the game replacing Paul, focusing on a man-to-man defense. With steals and Ward's rebounds, the Greens offense was dominating Anibal's. 
Anibal players switched to zone defense, allowing Sagesse to benefit from easy outside shots. 
The quarter ended with a 71-46 advantage to Sagesse. 

Fadi, Joe, Ward, Kenny and Robert started the last quarter, applying the same defensive system but toughening it under the basket. 
Sagesse’s 8-0 run urged the doting-on Anibal to ask for a time-out right away. Yervant replaced Joe, proving his edge defensively, although risking to be fouled due to unnecessary tough pushes. 
At 85-53 and facing the unfruitful speed used by Anibal, the coach offered a chance for the young Elie Estephan to step in, replacing Kenny, along with Paul who replaced Bassem. 
The Greens were able to move more easily, yet keeping a defensive attitude in mind. 
Changes went on with Joe and Robert replacing Ward and Fadi, now that the game was secured for Sagesse's advantage. The Greens were scoring under the basket, rotating all around and in the zone. 

Finally the game ended with a 31 points lead to Sagesse with a score of 98-67. 
"It is obvious that our team has gained a better chemistry" said Club Manager Joseph Abdel Massih, "The work done has proven to be fruitful and the real test for us is on Tuesday against Riyadi". 
Luckily, Sagesse's injured players Elie Mechantaf and Rodrigue Nacouzi will be ready to play on Tuesday, granting Sagesse an almost full roster for its top game. 
Meanwhile, once again the Greens managed to clinch a victory, even against less fortunate teams; Ward's recruiting is proving to be efficient, achieving a 31 points game high tonight, followed by the mighty Tiger with 30 points.