By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Zavier Simpson scored 26 points, dished out 14 assists and grabbed five rebounds to push Clujb Napoca to a 100 – 99 away win at BC Wolves Vilnius after two overtimes in the first of the four EighthFinals knockout games. The Romanian side will face Valencia in the quarterfinals.
“We kept fighting,” Simpson said. “We could’ve easily just give up or hang our heads. But we were at the same page as players. So we kept fighting. It shows our character among the group.”
“Very appreciative and grateful we were able to come back and get the win,” Simpson added. “Thank to the coaches for the great game plan. At the same time we have to move on. Keep the ball rolling.”
Anthony Cowan Jr. had 23 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds for Wolves. His team had a chance to win the game but he lost the ball during a drive to the basket with just one second remaining. Cluj only had to safely make the inbounds play to secure the victory.
Cowan had previously hit the triple that tied the game at 81, 1:05 before the end of the fourth period. Both teams were unable to score in the remaining seconds as the game went to overtime.
With the score 88 – 90 for Cluj and one second left in the extra period, Sasu Salin tripped Andrew Andrews who forced a second overtime from the free throw line.
The Wolves had a strong start to lead 33 – 20 at the end of the first period. Cluj then responded with 10 unanswered points but their opponents closed halftime up 48 – 39.
Cluj couldn’t catch up until the mid of the fourth period when they made a 0 – 8 run to move ahead 69 – 70. The visiting side took a 75 – 80 advantage down the stretch and then Jeffery Taylor along with Cowan hit 3-pointers as the game moved to the first overtime period.