Eurocup Quarterfinals set: Eighthfinals recap
After Lokomotiv Kuban progressed to the Eurocup Quarterfinals yesterday, a further seven clubs joined the party on Wednesday as the Eighthfinals wrapped. There were some huge wins of the night, including Valencia putting Bayern Munich to the sword for the second consecutive week. The Eurocup Quarterfinals will also have debutants, with Banvit Bandirma, Paris-Levallois, and Pinar Karsiyaka Izmir punching their tickets for this first ever time.
Progression also came the way of Herbalife Gran Canaria, Unics Kazan, and Khimki Moscow Region.
Unics Kazan vs. FoxTown Cantu, 75-72 (145-136)
Unics Kazan took its 64-70 road win last week and expanded it to sweep the series and progress to the Quarterfinals, although FoxTown Cantu made it tough for the hosts in Russia. Unics used a 17-2 run in the second frame to set up the win, but a stirring effort from the visitors made it interesting down the straight. Keith Langford got Kazan over the line with 7 late points as he went to 13 points through the game. Kostas Kaimakoglou had a top all-round game for the winners with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, but the top points gatherer was Ivan Buva with 17 points in the losing effort.
Virtus Rome vs. Banvit Bandirma, 66-56 (121-127)
This game in the Italian capital was the exception as Banvit Bandirma became the only club to reach the Eurocup Quarterfinals despite losing game 2. The Turkish club headed to Virtus Rome nursing a 16 points lead after last week’s 71-55 success in Game 1. The visitors would be run close in this contest as Rome put in a fine display and looked tight in defence. However, Banvit had too many points in the bank and ultimately progressed for the first time in its history. Rok Stipcevic led the futile win with 23 points and 6 assists, while Sammy Mejia scored 21 and took 9 boards for Banvit, including 11 second half points that kept the club in the competition.
PGE Turow Zgorzelec vs. Paris-Levallois, 78-87 (149-161)
Paris-Levallois posted a big road win over Polish champs PGE Turow Zgorzelec to qualify to the next stage. The French club already looked good heading into the contest, holding a 74-71 win from last week. However, the Polish club was favourite in front of its homes fans, but Paris looked confident throughout, especially after a Blake Schilb led 0-18 run in the second that defined the series. Schilb led Paris with 24 points, while Mike Green was a constant threat as he finished with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 scoring passes.
Herbalife Gran Canaria Las Palmas vs. Cedevita Zagreb, 75-72 (159-148)
Herbalife Gran Canaria overcame a tricky series against Cedevita Zagreb, edging past the Croatian club on the way to the Eurocup Quarterfinals. The Zagreb contingent led 67-68 during the fourth quarter, which was still not enough, but did make the last minutes very exciting. Gran Canaria Las Palmas held on to regain the lead with an 8-0 run. Kyle Kuric led the winners with 20 points and Brad Newley added 15 points for the Spanish team.
Pinar Karsiyaka Izmir vs. Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, 97-81 (178-162)
Pinar Karsiyaka breezed past Lithuanian powerhouse Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius to win the only series that headed into this week on a tie, after game one’s 81-81 results. A 9-0 run in the first quarter buoyed the hosts and hit Lietuvos Rytas hard, and from there the Turkish club never looked back on the way to victory. An unselfish attacking display saw the home team lay on 27 assists to Vilnius’ 13, but Jon Diebler still found 26 points for the winners too.
FC Bayern Munich vs. Valencia Basket, 60-94 (118-174)
One of the surprises of last week was how easily current Eurocup champions Valencia swept aside German title holders Bayern Munich. However, the Spanish team put any doubts about that result being a fluke to bed with a dominating road win in Bavaria. Valencia controlled the hardwood and the three time Eurocup champions showed that in two series games in this competition they are formidable. Indeed, that was nine success from the last ten that Valencia has won. Bojan Dubljevic collected a double-double for the winners with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Khimki Moscow Region vs. Zenit St. Petersburg, 89-70 (175-154)
With pride also at stake, Russian clubs Khimky Moscow Region and Zenit St. Petersburg clashed for a last eight place. After a tight 84-86 game last week, the contest was still wide open, although it was clearly advantage Khimky with home court support. The Moscow club continued its good form this season by cruising past Zenit and into the next round. Petteri Koponen was sensational from beyond the arc for the winners, hitting 6 from 8 triple attempts on his way to 24 points overall.