Hoops reach the semi-finals

Hoops of Lebanon reached the semi-finals of the Dubai basketball championship after knocking out Ezzahra Sports of Tunisia 82-78 in the quarter-final, a keenly contested match in which Hoops tipped the balance at the decisive moments. The quarters finished 23-22, 19-15, 14-28 and 22-17, with the third period the one that swung it the Lebanese side's way after they went 14 points clear. Ezzahra's Mohamed Naim recorded the highest tally with 23 points.

Hoops coach Jad El Hajj said his team's fighting spirit was the key and had helped them overcome Ezzahra. He said the team relied on a particular line-up and that injuries had prevented some players from taking part.