Eurocup Round 6 underway
Round 6 of the Eurocup Regular Season tipped off on Tuesday with three high octane contests that ushered in another week of exciting hoops and showcased just how competitive this competition is from top to bottom.
In Group A Bilbao stormed to the top of the standings with a cruising road win over Nanterre, while in Group B Gran Canaria used home advantage to enhance its own position at the top with a win over Le Mans. Also in Group B, ALBA Berlin hosts RIESEN Ludwigsburg in an all-German clash and were undone by their guests
Group A
JSF Nanterre vs. Dominion Bilbao Basket, 52-83
Bilbao had far too much for Nanterre and ensured at least a share of first place in Group A this week with a 4-2 record. As for Nanterre, the French club stays third with a 3-3 record, but was really outplayed by the Spanish guests in the Eurocup on Tuesday.
Bilbao opened with a quality 0-13 run that fuelled a big 9-20 lead through ten minutes on the hardwood. Nanterre got more consistent at the basket in the second period, but Bilbao still controlled the game and a 20-24 winning frame meant the Spaniards led 29-44 at the halftime buzzer. The visitors added another 21 points in the third as Nanterre mustered just 14 points, leaving Bilbao with a cruise through the fourth act to victory. A game in which the guests had led from start to finish.
Clevin Hannah scored 20 points, while Alex Suarez added 14 points and 7 rebounds. Alex Mumbru also provided 14 points and also grabbed 9 rebounds off the glass.
Mam Jaiteh topped the losing effort with 12 points, followed by Tasmin Mitchell with 11 points.
Group B
ALBA Berlin vs. MHP RIESEN Ludwigsburg, 79-90
In an all-German clash in Berlin, Ludwigsburg stunned ALBA on the road to complete a sweep over their compatriots and tie with them in the Group B standings. The two German clubs now sit on 4-2 records in the group, both still posed to contend for qualification berths.
The visitors were simply sensational in the first half, hot through the buckets and tight in defence, and through the long break Ludwigsburg held a commanding 29-54 advantage. After a 22-21 third act it was becoming clear that Berlin was playing for pride, but the hosts did make it interesting with a 14-0 run at the start of the fourth. However, the guests from Ludwigsburg simply had too many points stored on the board and eased to success.
Brad Loesing topped the winners with 18 points, followed by David McCray with 16 points and Royce O’Neale with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Mustafa Shakur doubled up with 12 points and 10 assists.
Elmedin Kikanovic and Dragan Milosavljevic topped ALBA with 18 points apiece, while Jordan Taylor provided 14 points.
Herbalife Gran Canaria Las Palmas vs. Le Mans Sarthe Basket, 77-62
Gran Canaria claimed sole possession of first place in Group B with a comfortable home success over struggling Le Mans. The Spanish club moves to 5-1 at the top of the standings, while Le Mans has just a single victory and has a lot to do from 1-5 if the club wants to qualify.
The Spanish club started well and through a sloppy first quarter edged a 17-13 lead. However, Le Mans put together its best spell of the contest with a 12-19 run in the second that handed the French club a 29-32 lead heading into the locker room at halftime. Gran Canaria regrouped and erupted in the third stanza with a 26-10 winning period fuelled by a 10-1 run. With a 55-42 lead after thirty minutes the hosts could cruise down the straight.
Alen Omic topped Gran Canaria with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Kevin Pangos was good for 14 points. Pablo Aguilar neared a double-double with 12 points and 9 rebounds.
Chris Lofton kept Le Mans in contention with a game high 23 points.