04 Nov.2016– Champville battled Byblos in the opening game of the 2nd annual Henry Chalhoub tournament in a fiercely contested game.
Byblos started tough on offense and finished the first quarter in front with a score of 25-20. Leading the break was Byblos’ new import Ndudi Ebi with an explosive first quarter performance.
In the second quarter Champville were back in the game with an extra effort from Garnett Thompson who dominated the basket scoring multiple baskets and giving his team a 39-38 lead at half–time.
Ghassan Sarkis’ men started the second half as they finished the first. Garnet Thompson was still going strong and with the help of Patrick Remert and Bassel Bawji they were capable of maintaining a five-point lead and finish the third quarter with a score of 58-53.
The fourth quarter was a totally different story full of drama as supporters of both teams were on the edge of their seats. After back and forth baskets from both teams, Byblos went on a 11-0 run, led by veteran point guard Ali Mahmoud who used all his experience to bring his team back into reaching point and put his team up by 1. With almost 3 minutes left Darius Tucker proved his worth by scoring in a difficult situation with the foul, and with the made free throw Byblos were back in front.
Sarkis’ men were not to be denied and Patrick Rembert took over and with back to back baskets giving Champville a commanding lead and with little time left Byblos were not able to get back in the game and lost by a score of 78-73.
Byblos’ best scorer was Ndudi Ebi with 25 points followed by Hargrove 18 and Tucker 12.
Champville’s Thompson finished the game with 18 points and Rembert with 20. Mazen Mneimneh was unfortunately, the only Lebanese player to feature between all these imports with 11.
The next game will be between Mouttahed and Tadamon at 6 PM in Chiyah Stadium where all games in this tournament are played.
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