Orthodoxi 3rd in West Asian women’s tourney

AMMAN — Jordan’s Orthodoxi came in third as the 3rd West Asian Women’s Basketball Champions Cup ended in Amman over the weekend. Lebanon’s Riyadi won the title after beating their closest rival Syria’s Wihda 74-58.

Wihda came in second after they beat the hosts 81-52 on the final day of the event. The Syrian team clearly set the pace of the match leading 31-18 at halftime.

Wihda’s Elissa Magarian led her team with 25 points and was chosen the tournament’s best player and top scorer, averaging 24 points per game. Orthodoxi had lost to Riyadi 69-44 and settled for third place after beating compatriots Fuheis 48-42.

Palestine’s Sarriet Ramallah finished fifth. In regional events last year, Orthodoxi finished 4th at the 16th Arab Clubs Basketball Championship for Women in Egypt when Lebanon’s Riyadi retained the title.