Al Riyadi Defeats Tabiat in 2025 WASL Final
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Lebanon’s Al Riyadi completed their back-to-back bid in the FIBA West Asia Super League (WASL) following a 104-77 mauling of Iran’s Tabiat Sunday night in the Final for a rousing conclusion to a campaign so dominant.
Already the reigning three-time WASL-West Asia League titlists, the Lebanese powerhouse refused to stop there and went on to secure the pan-regional competition's ultimate prize for the second successive time.
No other team in this league had been able to accomplish what they've done and the crew made it look so easy as Riyadi did it undefeated as well with a 13-0 record, including a five-game sweep of the Final 8 2025.
As usual, Wael Arakji led the way in the victory with 28 points and 6 assists, scoring 12 of his output in the opening frame alone to help his side overcome a tepid start and seize control for good.
"I'm very happy that we were able to win this tournament in Lebanon," offered Arakji, who went on to win league MVP honors. "Lebanese fans deserve this. I want to thank them for coming and supporting us unconditionally."
"This win is for them, this tournament is for them, and they deserve more. Hopefully we can give them more."
Marcus Georges-Hunt was also crucial in the win with 24 points and 5 rebounds as his chase for the WASL championship finally came to an end after falling short with Kuwait Club in the last two seasons.
Tabiat, on the other hand, was led by center Ivan Buva with 15 points and 5 rebounds as they could only settle for a runner-up finish - nonetheless the highest finish for an Iranian team by far in WASL.
Sina Vahedi made 14 points. Amir Gholizadeh scored 12, while Perry Petty and Arman Zangeneh added 11 each.
Al Riyadi and Tabiat will now turn their attention to the BCL Asia 2025 in June 9-15 as the WASL representatives, with the former coming in looking for a repeat in the highest club competition in the continent.
