CHENZHOU (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2016) – Late addition Dewarwick Spencer led the way as Al Riyadi of Lebanon eclipsed Al Rayyan of Qatar, 92-78, on Day 1 of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2016.

Spencer got plenty of help from Wael Arakji, who tallied 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Nigerian import Alade Aminu added 11 points and 8 boards. Lebanese living legend Fadi El Khatib also did well with 16 points and 9 rebounds. On the other end, Preston Knowles paced Al Rayyan with 25 points in 36 minutes.

Turning Point: Things were close early in the game with Al Riyad leading by just a solitary point, 26-25, at the close of the first quarter. The Lebanese, however, completely broke the game open in the second period, where they outscored the Qataris, 24-8. It was all Riyadi from that point till the final buzzer.

Stats Don't Lie: The Lebanese just shot really well from the field and ruled the battle of the boards. Riyadi shot 51.5% from the floor and held Rayyan down to 36.6% shooting. Coach Slobodan Subotic’s wards also did well on the glass, outrebounding Rayyan, 48-30.

Game Hero: Spencer was a late replacement for original import Jahmar Young, and the former didn’t disappoint. Spencer shot 9-of-11 from the foeld en route to 23 points. He shot 5 triples while also handing out 3 assists. Together with Arakji and El Khatib, Spencer makes the Riyadi perimeter corps very potent.

The Bottom Line: This was the perfect start for Al Riyadi, who are hoping to enter the next round of the tournament as at least the second seed of Group A. They rest tomorrow before returning to action on Day 3 against Pauian. Al Rayyan, meanwhile, have the chance to bounce back against the Chinese Taipei unit tomorrow before facing ONGC the next day.

FIBA