BEIRUT: A strong second-half showing saw defending champions Riyadi edge Duhok in Iraq 108-93 in the first leg of the WABA quarterfinals, giving them one foot in the semifinals.

The game took place in Duhok City, Iraq, and the two sides are scheduled to meet again in Beirut for Game 2.

Holders Riyadi were struggling just four minutes into the first quarter, when Duhok led 7-2 with four points scored by Derrick Tarver. The American guard previously played in Lebanon with several teams, including Riyadi last season.

Egyptian veteran Ismael Ahmad answered quickly with two consecutive post plays, and the Lebanese side tied the score 12-12 just four minutes before the end of the first quarter.

American Dewarick Spencer, who is the leading scorer of Riyadi so far in the local league with an average of 25.9 points per game, was not in his best form as he played despite suffering from a stomach illness. He uncharacteristically missed most of his three-point shooting.

Riyadi held on to finish the first quarter in their favor 23-22.

The Iraqi side gained momentum in the second quarter, after holding their ground against the seven-time Lebanese champions in the opener. They stole the lead again (38-35) just three minutes before the break.

But luckily for Riyadi, Jean Adeblnour delivered five consecutive points to regain for a small lead (44-43) for his team going into the third quarter.

The second half saw Riyadi looking more like defending champions as they imposed their dominance on both ends of the court and gained a comfortable lead of 10 points (76-66) ahead of the final quarter.

Riyadi didn’t look back, extending their lead in the fourth quarter to claim their first win of the series (1-0).

Elsewhere, Anibal Zahle ended the regular Lebanese basketball league season in third place after defeating hopeless Antranik 86-62, giving the team nine victories and seven defeats.