By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Gran Canaria finished the regular season in the 7DAYS EuroCup and proved that this was no coincidence.
The team which was the best throughout the season managed to edge Turk Telekom and get the 71-67 win, despite scoring just 21 points in the second half.
John Shurna was named the MVP with 18 points and AJ Slaughter with 16 led the charge, while Andrew Albicy added 13 points and some big defensive plays in crunch time.
“I want to congratulate Turk Telekom for giving us a good game like this one”, said Albicy after the final buzzer and added: “Everybody enjoyed this game. We did our job. We fought. We did what we needed to win. I’m just happy for all these fans. Look, the gym is amazing, so I’m just so happy to win my first EuroCup. That’s it. I want to enjoy it.”
Gran Canaria coach Jaka Lakovic didn’t hide his satisfaction while addressing the fans of his team: “Thank you, fans, because it’s them and our players who brought us this trophy to Gran Canaria, and it’s here to stay forever. They become legends and this is it, a great night. I’m very happy.”
A comeback that was not completed
Tyrique Jones and Axel Bouteille had 17 points each for Turk Telekom and EuroCup MVP Jerian Grant scored 16 points while cutting the lead of Gran Canaria to two (64-62). However, Shurna answered back with a three and the guests couldn’t get any closer until the final buzzer.
It was a totally unexpected ending after a first half in which Gran Canaria led by 17 (50-33). Turk Telekom turned things around with their defense, still, the hosts managed to prevail.
Thanks to this result, Gran Canaria not only wins the 2023 EuroCup but also a spot in the 2023-24 EuroLeague with Monaco keeping the second EuroCup spot in the competition, according to the EuroLeague bylaws, after qualifying for the playoffs.
Erdem Can got injured
During the game coach Erdem Can was wearing a neck collar for precautionary reasons, after getting injured on the team bus while moving to the arena.
The details of the incident are disturbing since the driver of the bus is accused of purposely pushing the breaks after coach Can repeatedly asked him to lower the volume of the car stereo.
Coach Can hurt himself on the windshield.