By Eurohoops team/info@eurohoops.net
In Eurocup’s eighth round, Trendo secured its place in the Last 32, as Nizhny Novgorod came closer to the next phase and Hapoel Jerusalem stayed alive.
In Novgorod, AEK Athens (4-4), who played without their leader Loukas Mavrokefalidis due to injury, had an excellent shooting percentage (15/24 two-pointers, 5/7 three-pointers) and, consequently, control of the game (19-34).
Nizhny (5-3), though, enhanced its defensive performance and regained the lead with a 19-3 run (63-59). In the end, the Greeks made mistakes and missed crucial shots, whereas the Russians made a 9-2 run to win the game (86-79). For the winners, Victor Rudd scored 21 points, whereas for the visitors, Dimitris Mavroeidis was unstoppable with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 36 points in the ranking system.
In the other two matches, Hapoel Jerusalem (3-5) beat Galatasaray (6-2) 86-82 and retained its hopes to qualify to the Last 32. E.J Rowland (21 points, six assists) and Donta Smith (14 points, five rebounds, six assists and five steals) were impressive for the Israelis, whereas for the Turks, Eric McCollum finished with 18 points, with Joey Dorsey adding 16 points and 12 rebounds.
In France, Trento (6-2) beat Nanterre (3-5) 79-85 on the road in overtime and reached the Last 32. In the extra time, the Italians stood tall and made an 11-5 run to secure the victory. Julian Wright made an impressive double-double for the visitors (27 points, 10 rebounds), whereas Mykal Riley had 24 for the hosts.