Jamaleddine Shines in Overtime Thriller as Kawasaki and Akita Split Back-to-Back Battles

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Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Akita Northern Happinets exchanged contrasting results in a two-game back-to-back series on January 24 and January 25, featuring Lebanese standouts Omar Jamaleddine and Ali Mezher.

The opening matchup delivered drama and high-level shot-making, while the second contest swung heavily in Akita’s favor. Despite uneven team outcomes, both players continue to grind through challenging situations with their respective clubs.

Game 1 (Jan 24): Kawasaki 98, Akita 89 (OT)

Kawasaki Brave Thunders pulled out an impressive overtime victory behind a balanced offensive effort, highlighted by a strong performance from Omar Jamaleddine.

Jamaleddine logged 25 minutes, finishing with:

  • 14 points

  • 4 rebounds

  • 5 assists

  • 1 steal

  • 50% shooting from the field

He emerged as Kawasaki’s third-leading scorer and led the team in shot attempts, showcasing confidence and offensive responsibility in a tightly contested game. His ability to score, facilitate, and defend played a key role in pushing the contest to overtime and ultimately securing the win.

On the Akita side, Ali Mezher contributed:

  • 4 points

  • 4 assists

  • 16 minutes played

While his scoring output was modest, Mezher remained active as a playmaker, helping initiate offense during competitive stretches.



Game 2 (Jan 25): Akita 97, Kawasaki 77

The second game told a very different story, as Akita controlled the pace from start to finish and cruised to a 20-point blowout victory.

Mezher saw limited action, playing just 6 minutes, during which he recorded:

  • 1 point

  • 1 assist

Jamaleddine, meanwhile, was restricted to 13 minutes, posting:

  • 4 points

  • 2 rebounds

With rotations tightened and momentum firmly on Akita’s side, neither player was able to find consistent rhythm.



A Challenging Season Context

Both Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Akita Northern Happinets currently sit near the bottom of the standings, reflecting difficult seasons marked by inconsistency and roster limitations. For Jamaleddine and Mezher, production has often come in spurts, dependent on opportunity and game flow.

Still, moments like Jamaleddine’s Game 1 performance underline his ability to shoulder offensive responsibility, while Mezher continues to show flashes as a capable guard when minutes allow.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both Lebanese players will look to capitalize on opportunities, build momentum, and finish strong despite their teams’ struggles. Their perseverance in challenging circumstances remains a testament to their professionalism and commitment.

Tough break for our boys — but the fight continues. 

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