By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
UNICS Kazan bounced back for Round 1’s defeat and prevailed over Bahcesehir Koleji Istanbul at home 89-88 in the opening game of Group A for Round 2.
Jamar Smith took charge for the hosts in crunch time and scored the game-winner with three seconds remaining, leading the team with an overall performance of 25 points, five assists. Isaiah Canaan had 15 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, as John Holland posted 13 points.
On the other end, short-staffed Bahcesehir had Alex Perez with a stunning 33-point performance and even placed his team ahead by one point with 13 seconds left, though Smith’s answer put an end to the visitors’ hopes.
A balanced first half with UNICS in the lead by one (48-47) was followed with an outbreak of the hosts in the third period, to expand their lead to double digits for the first time into the game. However, Bahcesehir didn’t bid farewell to the game just yet, as their 14-5 run into the fourth period evened the score at 75 points, before heading into a nerve-wracking fourth period.
Later on Tuesday, Partizan edged Reyer Venezia at home with a 93-71 victory, their first of the season, led by a 22-point performance by RaShawn Thomas.
Codi Miller-McIntyre and Ognjen Jaramaz followed Thomas’ lead with 18 and 17 points each.
Mitchell Watt led all Venezia scorers with 16 points, while Mike Bramos posted 11, as the team fell to a 1-1 record.
Photo: EuroCup