TEHRAN (2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship) - Lebanon rocked Day 2 of the 2016 FIBA Asia U18 Championship in Tehran when they upended pre-tournament favorites Korea. Buoyed by supreme confidence and tenacious defense, the junior Cedars stifled every Korean attempt to turn the tide and handed their East Asian foes their first defeat of the tournament.

This result has propped up the Lebanese as a very strong force to be reckoned with, and they are now on-track to finish among the top two teams in Group B. Standouts from yesterday’s victory included Ali Mansour, Sami Ghandour, Mark Al Khoury and Naji Ozeir, but head coach Joe Moujaes is quick to point our that team unity trumps individual talent on his squad.

Moujaes talked to FIBA.com after their huge triumph over Korea.

FIBA.com: What have you done to make sure that Lebanon have very good team chemistry?
Moujaes: Our team are all from Lebanon except Naji Ozeir, who lives in the United States. All our players never missed any training camp or any tournament we participated in, and that means our team chemistry has been our main asset.

FIBA.com: What was the biggest reason Lebanon was able to beat a strong Korean team on Day 2?
Moujaes: We respect Korea very much. We scouted their game with Japan, and we realized that they play a run-and-gun style and have great three-point shooters. Knowing this, we minimized our big men and focused heavily on defense in order to try to win every quarter. The bottom-line is we wanted to eliminate their fast break attack and limit their three-point shooting.

FIBA.com: What are Lebanon’s strong points so far in this tournament?
Moujaes: I believe we have great team spirit. This is because it has been two years since the team has been together. From administration to coaching staff and to players, we are one family. We play for one goal, and there is no personal glory. We believe in our unity.

FIBA.com: Who do you think would be the toughest countries with whom Lebanon will match up?
Moujaes: All the teams are tough, and we shall respect everyone. Of course, we will try our best in every game. Iran national team has an edge, since they are solid and playing on their home grounds. We will ask ourselves to stay focused, since our journey is still just beginning.

FIBA.com: How important is it for Lebanon to make it to the U19 World Championship next year?
Moujaes: It's my personal dream to qualify to play in the World Championship. I am hungry and will be honored put my country’s flag high with top basketball nations, so help us God. As for Lebanon, our men’s team have qualified three times to to the World Championship and our U18 only once. Our basketball federation and especially everyone with the team are working day and night to support this squad, so we can achieve what our seniors were not able to the last time. Finally, allow me to thank FIBA Asia organizing this competition and making this event a success.

FIBA