Canadians in Europe: October 28th - November 1st
Europe's Canadian contingent put in some very impressive performances in the big six continental leagues this week. Here's the full run down of all the action:
Euroleague
Valencia got their first win of the season over ASVEL after taking control of proceedings in the second half. Aaron Doornakemp had five points and four rebounds for the Spanish club in their 81-72 win. Meanwhile, Nik Stauskas finished with 11 points, one of five Baskonia players to score in double digits as they shut out Bayern Munich on defence and made over half of all their shot attempts on the other end. The final score was 93-60 in their favour.
Euroleague Women
Michelle Plouffe led ASVEL Lyon with 16 points, but Schio were dominant behind the combined efforts of their starting five - led by Sandrine Gruda who had a game-high 20 points. The Italians had an early double-digit lead and ended the game on one, the final score 69-59 to Schio. Nadezhda were not at their best this week, nor was Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, managing just four points and six rebounds. Still, the Russian team were able to overcome an early setback against Castors Braine and after 17 lead changes, they emerged winners 62 points to 55.
EuroCup
Connor Morgan scored 11 points, one of five Joventut Badalona players to score in double digits, as they dominated Cedevita Olimpia on offence. Joventut regain their winning record with a twenty-point win over their Adriatic opponents. Meanwhile, Melvin Ejim also had 11 points off the bench for Malaga who stayed the course after leading Trento by 18 points in the first quarter, going on to a comfortable win, 93-74.
Miranda Ayim in action for Landes against Miskolc's Szidonia Katona. Picture: FIBA.com
EuroCup Women
Emily Potter had 6 points and 4 rebounds for Brno, who cut down a 25-points gap but still suffered their third straight loss at the hands of Ramla in Israel - the final score 80-63 to the hosts. Meanwhile, Miranda Ayim had 16 points for Landes as they found themselves in a tight game from start to finish with Hungarian team Miskolc, the sides separated by no more than seven points and saw the lead change hands 21 times.
In the dying seconds Ayim dished to Romana Hejdova who then sealed the nail-biter with a game-winning three. Landes remain undefeated in Group H following the 72-71 win over Miskolc.
FIBA Champions League
Thomas Scrubb started and posted 10 points for Strasbourg who, after a close start against Manresa, showed their strength from close range to see out the comfortable win, by a final score of 81-63. Meanwhile, 12 points and 6 rebounds from PTT Ankara's Kyle Wiltjer was part of a big dominant offensive show on the road against Lietkabelis. This helped the Turkish team keep their unbeaten streak alive and stay atop of Group A, winning 91-77.
MiKyle McIntosh had 3 points for Oostende as they took on Dinamo Sassari, who saw a stand-out performance from Dyshawn Pierre with 15 points and 13 total rebounds for the Italian team, who did not look back after taking an early double-digit lead over their Belgian visitors. Final score: 90-71 to Sassari.
Aaron Best played garbage time for PAOK, who were consigned to the loss against Neptunas Klaipeda early on. After falling behind by 20 points in the first quarter, they tried to minimise the damage, in the end losing 94-72 to the Lithuanians. Owen Klassen saw similar playing time for Antwerp who, after leading throughout the first half, were held to just three points in the third quarter by AEK Athens, who continued this form to win 62-51.
FIBA Europe Cup
Justin Edwards led all on the floor with 21 points for Kormend as they overcame an early nine-point deficit from Legia Warsaw to dominate in the final period and top Group H with a win by the final scoreline of 74-60. Starter Ryan Wright posted 6 points for Levski, who tried in vain to take the lead back from BC Kyiv throughout this heated matchup in Bulgaria. Levski would have to wait another day for their first win as they were downed by Kyiv 83 to 76.
