By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite Trento’s late push, Strasbourg escaped from Italy with a big victory (78-86) and qualified to the Finals, as they managed to prevail over their opponents with seven or more points.
The French team made history and became the first French squad that advanced to Eurocup’s Finals.
For the winners, Mardy Collins (20 points, seven assists) and Romain Duport (20 points, seven rebounds) were tremendous, whereas Davide Pascolo made an impressive double-double (22 points and 13 boards) for the losing squad.
In the beginning, Strasbourg took an early lead (8-14), however Trento quickly tied the game (16-16), behind an 8-2 run, with the visitors, though, ending the first quarter in front by two (19-21).
Later, the match continued to be close, as no team could take a significant advantage (25-23, 31-31), with the French team retaining its lead, after 20 minutes in the game (35-36).
In the second half, things changed. Strasbourg played very well on both ends of the floor and extended its advantage to double digits (51-62), as the visitors outscored their opponents 26-16 in the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the French tried to secure their qualification to the final and were in front by 17 points (53-70), but the hosts came back. Trento’s players enhanced their overall performance and went on a 18-7 run to cut the deficit to six points (71-77), with 57 seconds to go.
But, Strasbourg stood tall, won the game (78-86) and advanced to the Final for their first time in its history.