Strasbourg ahead of PAOK and wins the round of 16 of the BCL
By Johnny Askounis / [email protected]
SIG Strasbourg defeats PAOK mateco, 80-79, to sweep the Basketball Champions League Play-In series on Wednesday.
After dropping 26 points in Game 1, Virginia Tech product Jarell Eddie produced a record 19 points behind six three points at PAOK Sports Arena. John Roberson added 16 points including the go-ahead bucket with 1:18 left in the contest.
The 80-78 score was stuck until the last minute until David DiLeo missed two of three free throws in the dying seconds of the close battle that sealed the deal for Strasbourg.
Czech international Jaromir Bohacik scored 12 points. Captain DeAndre Lansdowne had ten points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The visitors failed to keep a 13-point cushion early on, but made their way through a 10-point hole. Eddie concluded the third quarter with a triple cut in half of the previous best score for the Thessaloniki-based team and a return to the momentum on his side.
The best-of-three match 2 victory saw the team coached by Finnish player Lassi Tuovi advance to Group L in the round of 16. Falco Szombathely and Rytas were already group winners in the regular season. Lenovo Tenerife from Pinar Karsiyaka will complete the new group.
Marvin Jones scored 15 points, a high for the team. Vlado Jankovic posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Malcolm Griffin has been absent for the team led by Aris Lykogiannis.
The fourth consecutive loss is the longest losing streak in the five BCL campaigns.
Post-match press conference:
Photo credit: Basketball Champions League