Cedars one game away from winning WABA title

Lebanon regained their title at the WABA championship for the first time since 2008, after beating reigning champions Iran 74-69 in a highly anticipated match Wednesday. The Lebanese, who have now secured their promotion to the FIBA Asia Cup in Tokyo in September, will play host to Jordan Thursday, and a fourth straight win would seal the trophy. Led by Khatib and naturalized American Garnet Thompson, the Cedars finished the first quarter in their favor (22-17). The last time they defeated Iran was in August 2007. Iran though were able to capitalize on a couple of turnovers overcoming a six-point deficit at the end of the second quarter to lead 39-35 at halftime. Lebanon led again at the end of the third quarter and maintained their lead throughout the final period, thanks to five successful free throws from Thompson in the last minute. Khatib finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, Thompson scored 26 points and nine rebounds, and Rodrigue Akl settled for eight points, eight rebounds and five assists. Hamed Afagh top scored for Iran with 22 points including 5/5 from the arc. Samad Bahrami added 16. Iran felt the absence of Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi, while Lebanon missed a few important players as well, such as Jean Abdel Nour, Ali Mahmoud and Ghaleb Reda. “It means a lot because everyone had low expectations for us, and we didn’t have the right preparation and support, but as a group we fought with a big heart and solidarity and clinched a big win against the best national team in Asia for the last years,” shooting guard Elie Estephan told The Daily Star. “This was a gift to all Lebanese people and basketball lovers from a great team,” Estephan said. By The Daily Star