7Days EuroCup Opens 2018-19 with Three Games
The 7Days EuroCup ushered in the 2018-19 season with three games on Tuesday. Teams from Groups C and D took to the hardwood and got the ball bouncing, as it were.
Group C
ASVEL Villeurbanne 75-61 Dolomiti Energia Trento
Charles Kahudi led ASVEL on both ends of the floor as his team held off Trento and their fourth-quarter rally. Kahudi finished with a team-high 16 points but his defensive effort should be praised as well. His two steals and overall defensive pressure in the fourth quarter managed to limit Trento’s attempt at a comeback. Instead, ASVEL was able to go on a 15-2 run to put the game out of reach.
Dustin Hogue played well for Trento and his aggressiveness helped prevent this game from being a blowout loss from the early stages. He ended the night with 16 points to his name.
Partizan NIS Beograd 89-82 Zenit St. Petersburg
Partizan took full advantage of their home court and bagged their first EuroCup win in Belgrade. The fans energized their team in the third quarter and Rade Zagorac spearheaded Partizan’s defense to turn the tide of the game in their favor. His back to back steals and back to back treys had Zenit backpedaling and in disarray. He led five other teammates to score in double figures with 16 points
Zenit had a great game from Jarrod Uthoff who exploded for 25 points. Newly signed Gal Mekel also put up a noteworthy performance with 12 points and 10 assists.
Group D
Unicaja Malaga 91-64 Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt
This was the biggest blowout of the night and Spanish club Unicaja Malaga was ready for business and gave the Skyliners a tough welcome. Their balanced and unselfish offense paved the way to an easy win. They dominated on the glass with 39 rebounds compared 23 from their German guests. Their relentless assault was enough to overcome a massive 20-point game from Skyliners’ Brady Heslip, who unfortunately did not get enough help from the rest of his teammates. They take this loss home but will need to shake off some rust and regroup for the next round.