Al Riyadi Beirut Crowned Champions of the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Tournament 2025

Al Riyadi Beirut was crowned champion of the Abu Dhabi International Basketball Tournament 2025 after defeating Sharjah Club by 13 points (88–75) in a thrilling final before a large crowd at Al Jazira Club Arena. 
The second edition of the tournament was held under the patronage of ADQ Holding, supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, supervised by the UAE Basketball Federation, and organized by Al Wahda Club in collaboration with Global Active Sports. 
The winners were honored by: 
·       H.E. Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Assistant General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council 
·       H.E. Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council 
·       H.E. Abdul Latif Al Fardan, President of the UAE Basketball Federation 
·       Akram Halabi, President of the Lebanese Basketball Federation and Vice President of the Asian Basketball Federation 
·       Obaid Miftah Al Mahrazi, Tournament Director 
Individual Awards 
Croatian player Ivan Buva of Al Riyadi Beirut was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final. Al Riyadi’s head coach and Lebanon national team coach Ahmad Farran was recognized as Best Coach of the Tournament. 
Al Riyadi’s Haik Gyokchian received the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award, while Stedmon Lemon from Champville earned the Top Scorer award. His teammate Basil Harfouch won the Best Three-Point Shooter title. 
Kavell Bigby-Williams of Sharjah was named Best Defensive Player, and Amir Saoud of Al Riyadi Beirut received the Best Sixth Man award. 
Match Summary 
The final lived up to expectations, showcasing high-level basketball between two well-prepared teams who had previously met in the group stage, where Sharjah had narrowly won (83–80). 
Both sides started with strong defensive intensity. Midway through the second quarter, Sporting took a 36–32 lead, prompting Sharjah’s coach Abdulhamid Al Hosani to call a timeout. However, the Lebanese team maintained its momentum to close the first half ahead (47–36). 
Al Riyadi focused on attacking from under the basket in the first two quarters, attempting only two three-pointers—one of which was made by Gyokchian—while Sharjah relied heavily on perimeter shooting, attempting 13 threes but converting only two. 
The same pattern continued in the third quarter, which ended 65–56 in favor of Al Riyadi. The Lebanese champions then extended their lead to 82–64 in the final period, maintaining control despite Sharjah’s persistent efforts. Al Riyadi stayed composed until the final buzzer, sealing an 88–75 victory and lifting the championship trophy. 
The game was officiated by international referees Abdullah Al Admawi (Saudi Arabia), Hassan Haji, and Salem Al Zaabi (UAE).