Riyadi’s 74-63 win over an enthusiastic, but error-prone, Smart Gilas of Philippines led them to their third successive semifinal entry in FIBA Asia Champions Cup.
Riyadi had won the bronze in the last edition, one place ahead of their fourth place finish in 2008.
On Saturday, Al Riyadi will take on defending champions Mahram of Iran in the semifinals.
Riyadi’s fortunes were directly proportional to El Khatib’s form.
They struggled, and allowed Smart Gilas to keep abreast of the scores, when El Khatib strove to find his wonted rhythm.
But once El Khatib came into his own, from the second part of the third quarter, Riyadi moved rallied around his plays.
El Khatib scored 12 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter.
El Khatib also collected three rebounds and effected four assists.
Rony Fahed fired in four three-pointers in his 15 points, and American Nate Johnson went 5/11 in field attempts for his 15.
Smart Gilas went neck and neck with Riyadi for most part of the game, but then found no answer when El Khatib unleashed his magic.
“Of course he is a key in our plans,” Al Riyadi coach Fouad Abouchakra said of Fadi’s performance.
Scores
Al Riyadi Beirut, LIB 74 (Fadi El Khatib 24, Rony Fahed 15, Nate Johnson 15) bt Smart Gilas, PHI 63 (Milan Vucicevic 22, Mark Barroca 15).
Quarters: 9-10, 34-34, 56-47, 74-63.
more to follow...
NEXT GAME:
Smart Gilas-Philippines vs. Al Jalaa-Syria
4pm Doha time or 9pm Manila time (May 29)
(Winner will advance to "battle for 5th place")
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