By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Gran Canaria made sure to remind everyone why they are considered possibly the biggest favorite to win the 2023 EuroCup by crushing Paris Basketball 104-74 at home to punch the last available ticket for the competition’s semifinals. The team from Las Palmas will face Joventut Badalona for a position in the final in an all-Spanish clash.
Damien Inglis led Gran Canaria with a game-high 23 points on 11-14 shots in just 15:12 minutes. John Shurna added 17 points, Olek Balcerowski scored 16 and AJ Slaughter contributed 15 points for the winning side that completely dominated the game after a balanced (33-30) first quarter. They took their lead beyond the 20-point mark by going up 82 – 60 at the end of the third period and kept pushing to provide fans with a crowd-pleasing performance.
Boston Celtics stashed guard Juhann Begarin stood out from Paris with 18 points. Tyrone Wallace posted 13 points plus five assists, Aamir Sims scored 12 and Ismael Kamagate had 10 points plus six rebounds.
Paris was unable to keep up with Gran Canaria or contain following the first 10 minutes. The French squad and EuroCup newcomer fell behind 61-48 at halftime and never recovered as their opponents cruised their way to the semifinals.