By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Le Mans pulled an upset against Unics Kazan in the Euroleague qualifying round, but could not repeat it in the final. The host team of the event, Cantu beat the French league’s runner up 80-66 and won the last open ticket for Euroleague’s regular season in group A, together with Panathinaikos, Real Madrid, Fenerbahce Ulker, Olimpija Ljublana and Khimki Moscow.
The Italians got the lead from the first quarter (23-12) and never looked back. Maarten Leunen (photo) with 15 points was the top scorer for the winners, J.P. Batista scored also 15 points for the losing side, which had a bad shooting night with just 1/12 three pointers and 17/29 free throws. After this result, Le Mans will play at Eurocup. On the other hand, it will be the second straight Euroleague season for Cantu.