El Khatib sizzles, Lebanon dethrones Iran as Asian Club champion

Fadi El Khatib, a sentimental favorite among foreign players competing in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup, gave his Filipino fans a lasting impression in the event’s final day. The veteran FIBA World Championship campaigner showed to all and sundry how a classy player he was as he knocked in 41 points to power Al Riyadi-Lebanon in dethroning Mahran-Iran, 91-82, at the Philsports Arena Sunday night. El Khatib scored 11 of the Lebanese’s final 13 points. He produced 29 in the second half as he helped the team in posting its first FIBA Asia Champions Cup title in seven years. Then a member of Sagesse team, the former NBA prospect led his squad to the crown in 2004 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The win also catapulted Lebanon on top for most number of club championships, tying the Philippines (Northern Cement, Swift, Andok’s and Hapee Toothpaste) and Iran in 22 editions of the tournament. Lebanon swept all its two assignments against Iran in this tournament. Al Riyadi defeated Mahram, 78-73, in overtime during the preliminary round. El Khatib was at his usual explosive self in the final day. He went 6-of-9 from the three-point line and had a 19-of-22 shooting from the free throw line. With the outcome already decided and his teammates egging him on to score 40 points, El Khatib sank his final two charities for the final tally. As the match drew to a close, the 32-year-old El Khatib became emotional as knelt on the floor for about 30 seconds while his teammates celebrate with head coach Fouad Abou Chakra. After four free throws made by Lebanon, El Khatib found Loren Woods for an alley-hoop jam with 1:24 left in the game and shoved their squad safely ahead, 84-77. Bahrami Nikkhah had 28 points and Chris Williams added 21 markers for Iran. - Reuben Terrado, RCJ, GMA News