By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Sam Dekker scored a season-high 21 points and grabbed six rebounds to push the London Lions past Cluj Napoca 91 – 79 on the road in a knockout game for the EuroCup quarterfinals. The British side becomes the second team to advance to the competition’s semifinals in a historic achievement since it’s the first time the club makes the Top 4 of a continental league.
“I’m so proud of our team and the coaching staff,” Dekker said. “Our whole organization… we’ve been a lot these last two years. I’m really proud of being a part of it and helping grow this into something special.” David Nwamba added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Lions.
The Lions had a rocking start to close the first period up 29 – 18 and established a lead beyond double figures after the second quarter. Cluj, that overall didn’t have any answers for their London’s offensive game, trimmed its deficit to 61 – 53 but the visiting side went on to get even a 20-point advantage, 60 – 80 early in the fourth period.
Cluj made a 10-0 run to stay in the game and the made it a single-digit affair again. The Lions retained a distance of at least two possessions for the rest of the game and held back their opponents.
Bryce Jones stood out from Cluj with 23 points and five assists. The Romanian side exits EuroCup after making a debut appearance in the quarterfinals of the competition and finishing the Group stage with a 13-5 record.
Photo: EuroCup Basketball