Canadians in Europe: December 10th-13th
Another packed week of European basketball saw mixed results for Canadian players. Here's a full rundown of everything that happened:
EuroCup
Connor Morgan had 10 points off the bench for Joventut Badalona who, after a back-and-forth first half, went on a rampage in the third quarter against visiting UNICS Kazan. Finishing with a 90-73 victory, Joventut qualified them for the next round from what has been a tricky Group C.
FIBA Europe Cup
Kormend started off well against Ventspils, taking a 12-point lead, but from the second quarter on the Latvian club unleashed their superior offence (Two-third success from the field) and lockdown defence. They emerged victorious by a twenty-point margin, while Justin Edwards’ 17 points would not be enough for Kormend in the 96-76 loss.
FIBA Champions League
Dyshawn Pierre started and recorded 15 points and 7 rebounds for Dinamo Sassari on their visit to Lietkabelis in Lithuania. The hosts trailed by 20 points but behind a powerhouse performance from Zeljko Sakic, who had 31 points, tightened the game up ahead of the final minutes. Sassari did enough to hold on to their lead, which they never relinquished, and captured the win by four points
Owen Klassen impressed for the Antwerp Giants with 15 points and 12 total rebounds, but that would not be enough to overcome Burgos. Despite a late push, they were resigned to the loss, 65-60. Kyle Wiltjer posted 11 points in an all-too straightforward victory for PTT Ankara against Holon, leading their guests comfortably for much of the way en route to a 85-71 final score.
Thomas Scrubb had 14 points for Strasbourg who prevailed over Oostende after a tight second half, where they lost their double-digit lead, but finished off with the win, 71 points to 64. Aaron Best started for PAOK and finished with 15 points to his name, but their hosts, Beskitas, were on the rampage. Making more than half of all their shot attempts and four players finishing in double digits, Beskitas were the winners 98-83.
Euroleague Women
14 points and 7 rebounds from Michelle Plouffe proved little comfort for Lyon ASVEL as they struggled away to Fenerbahce. The Turkish club played relentless offence and sank the dagger in the fourth quarter, limiting ASVEL to just eight points, and went on to capture victory 82-67.
At the same time, Nadezhda could not recover after a slow start against Bourges. Neither team performed exceptional well, but Bourges did well to limit their guests’ chances and maximise their own. Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe was the sole standout for Nadezhda with 12 points and 11 rebounds, but still the final result was 66-57 against them.
Euroleague
Aaron Doornakemp started and had 8 points and 4 total rebounds for Valencia, who sank the dagger against Zalgiris Kaunas in the third quarter, which they won 17-9. Though it looked precarious at times, Baskonia never faltered against on their visit to Crvena Zvezda, their superior shooting leading to the 72-64 win. Nik Stauskas led all on the floor with 22 points for Baskonia.
Picture: David Grau
