The visiting side from Iran was averaging a potent 94.9 points per outing at the Stade Nouhad Nawfal, heading into the best-of-3 title series, but got held to easily the fewest points it mustered this season that eventually led to its first loss after winning its first eight matches.
Thon Maker has seemingly found his niche with the crew as he top-scored in the victory with 20 points on 72.7-percent field goal shooting, including a 3-of-4 clip from beyond the arc, alongside 7 rebounds and a block in a turnover-less outing for a 24 efficiency.
Al Riyadi will look to close it out in Game 2 on May 1, Wednesday, at the Azadi Basketball Hall Tehran as the affair shifts to Iran.