BEIRUT: Antranik’s sorry season continued Monday after they were thrashed 92-66 by newly promoted Bejjeh in the Lebanese Basketball League.The Armenian side have won just one game all season, losing 11 games so far in a torrid season, although they can rest easy knowing that Chabab Zahle’s decision to drop out of the league will spare Antranik a season in the second division next year.

The club’s sense of resignation to a collapsed and pointless season was plain to see in the first quarter when Bejjeh steamrollered a moribund Antranik, running out to 30-13 inside the first 10 minutes, effectively killing off the game before it started.

The home side bucked up their ideas but they were still unable to stop pouring in points with Arthur Lee particularly influential for the Jbeil side. Bejjeh were only able to slowly tack points onto the lead. After opening a 17-point lead at 47-30 8 minutes into the quarter, Bejjeh conceded three late baskets to go into the half at 50-36.

Bejjeh quickly ripped out into a 57-40 lead 3 minutes into the quarter before the two sides traded baskets for the rest of the quarter, eventually finishing 71-53. Bejjeh continued to mount on the pain, going ahead into a 26-point lead as Antranik’s offense fell apart 5 minutes into the final quarter at 56-82.

The scoring slowed down from both sides until the game petered out at 92-66. Bejjeh’s win move them into fourth place, a stunningly high position considering they have been in the top flight for just four months with a limited budget.

Wednesday sees Anibal Zahle and league champions Riyadi in Zahle while Hoops Club travel to Ghazir to take on Sagesse.