Basketball’s elite century club has welcomed Mohammed El Akkari, who scored an impressive 113 points during a Lebanese league game.
Last week, the guard propelled Moutahed to a notable 173-141 victory against Bejjeh in a Division A league matchup.
According to FIBA, the global governing body of basketball, El Akkari is the first player to register over 100 points in an official league game within any of its Asian national federations.
In non-league games, two players have accomplished this remarkable feat.
Lou Salvador made headlines by scoring 116 points for the Philippines against China in the 1923 Far Eastern Games, while Jeron Teng tallied 104 points for Xavier School against Grace Christian College in a high school matchup in the Philippines.
Wilt Chamberlain remains the most renowned player to have reached the 100-point mark, with his record still intact after 50 years. The closest player in the NBA to achieve such a milestone was Kobe Bryant, who scored 81 points on January 22, 2006, as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Akkari showcased his shooting prowess by hitting 32 three-pointers out of 59 attempts, while achieving a total of 40 successful field goals out of 69. He managed only one free throw attempt during the game.
This performance was unexpected, especially given that the 27-year-old Akkari had been averaging just 7.6 points across 23 games this season.
“I believe this success is a direct result of my hard work during practice,” Akkari expressed. “I also want to extend my gratitude to my coach for allowing me that playing time and to all my teammates for their support.”
Coach Ahmad Fadel remarked that he always believed Akkari had the capability to deliver such a standout performance.
“He’s an exceptional, yet often underrated shooter. He dedicates tremendous effort in practice,” Fadel noted. “So, I’m not at all surprised by his achievement.”
American teammate Austin Johnson mentioned they recognized early on that Akkari was on track for an extraordinary night.
“He started off strong with his shooting and just kept it going,” Johnson shared.
“Our team quickly became aware that he was on fire, so we ensured to keep passing him the ball. Congratulations to Akkari for his record-setting night. He truly deserves it based on his work ethic and focus.”
by Buford Balony
