Batroun Club took an important step toward securing its place in next season’s Lebanese Basketball League after defeating Tadamon Hrajel 73-67 in Game 1 of their playout series.
The victory gives Batroun a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three matchup and puts the team just one win away from avoiding the relegation battle.
The stakes could not be higher. The winner of the series will remain in the top division, while the loser will be forced into a barrage matchup against the runner-up of Division 2 for a chance to preserve its Lebanese Basketball League status.
Batroun was led by an outstanding performance from Kleon Clegeot, who played all 40 minutes and finished with a game-high 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Whenever Tadamon threatened to make a comeback, Clegeot had an answer, carrying the offensive load for the home side.
AJ Davis controlled the paint with a dominant double-double, recording 16 points and 13 rebounds while providing a strong interior presence on both ends of the floor.
Lebanese forward Andrew Kopaly contributed across the board with 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Karl Kozah added 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals in another hardworking performance.
The game remained competitive for long stretches, but Batroun’s ability to execute in key moments proved to be the difference as they protected their home court and grabbed the early series advantage.
For Tadamon Hrajel, the defeat means there is no margin for error heading into Game 2. A second loss would not only end the series but would also send the club into a high-pressure barrage clash against the Division 2 runner-up.
Batroun, meanwhile, now has an opportunity to finish the job and secure its place in Lebanon’s top flight for another season.
With survival on the line and tensions continuing to rise, Game 2 promises to be one of the most important games of the year for both clubs.