By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Eurocup’s round 9 started with two games on Tuesday night, with the visitors being victorious on both of them. Oldenburg (4-5) escaped with the victory from France and beat Nanterre (3-6) 83-92, while Nancy (2-7) prevailed over Charleroi (3-6) 81-86 on the road.
In France, the match between Nanterre and Oldenburg was close in the first half, with no team being able to take a significant advantage. After 20 minutes in the game, the Germans were in front by just one point (39-40), however things changed later.
The visitors executed very well on both ends of the floor and managed to take control of the game. Oldenburg outscored their opponents 18-27 in the third quarter and had a double-digit lead, after 30 minutes in the game (57-67). In the last quarter, Nanterre tried to fight back, but the German team remained solid, comfortably retained its double-digit advantage (71-81) and claimed a crucial victory, boosting its hopes to qualify to the Last 32.
For the winners, Vaughn Duggins was impressive with 22 points, as three more players were in double digits. On the other hand, Gerald Robinson was tremendous for the losing squad with 20 points, with four more players being in double digits.
In the other match of the night, Nancy took control of the game in the beginning and earned a small advantage (17-22). Later, the hosts came back, played better offensively and cut the deficit to two points at the end of the first half (41-43).
In the second half, the French retained a small lead, playing very well defensively (they conceded just 14 points) and were in front by five after 30 minutes in the game (55-60). Charleroi, though, tried to regain the lead and earn the victory. Consequently, they were down by three (81-84), a few seconds before the end of the game, however they ran out of time and the visitors claimed the win.
For the winners, six players were in double figures, as Andy Panko had 16 points and eight rebounds. For the hosts, Billy Baron was unstoppable with 26 points, however his excellent performance was not enough for Nanterre to win the game.