28 Jul. 2016– Exceeding expectations throughout the group stage, the Lebanese U18 national team advanced to the quarter-finals after going 4-1 in their group. Their only loss came at the hands of Iran, losing 76-54. Before that loss, Lebanon had beaten Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia, all in convincing fashion.
Opening their tournament against Kazakhstan, Lebanon destroyed their advisories in cold-blooded fashion, winning by a large margin of 60 points. They then defeated Korea 80-67 before thrashing Indonesia by 70 points, winning 105-35. Riding a three-game winning streak, Lebanon took care of Japan winning once more by double digits. They ended the group stages on a slightly sad note, falling to Iran 76-54.
With that being said, we’re focusing on the positive here. Our U18 team is on to the next round, and will face a lesser team in India. Tough to be unhappy about that.
So far, Lebanon has shot 46.8% from the field, and averaged 16.4 assists per game. They also averaged 58.4 rebounds per game, with 23.6 of them being offensive, and 34.8 being defensive. On the defensive side of the ball, they’ve been great at times, averaging 14.2 steals per game.
The few areas they should improve in moving on are the amount of turnovers they average a game, 14.4. Though they don’t live and die by the three, 24.8% is still too low. That must improve.
All in all, they’ve made us proud. They’ve kept their composure throughout the first 5 games, and will hopefully continue to do so. Their defense has been exceptional, keeping opponents to single-digit quarters eight times. When locked in on defense, Lebanon’s offense has excelled. They’ll look to do that when they go up against India in the quarter-finals.
That game will take place tomorrow July 29th, in Tehran.
Article by: Nick Husni
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