By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
Game 1 goes to Darussafaka Istanbul as the Turkish team defeated 57-54 Buducnost Voli Podgorica in a game deceived on details.
The first half ended 27-26, but with an 8-0 run in the third quarter, Blatt’s team got a small advantage. Scottie Wilbekin and JaJuan Johnson led the way for the home side, which increased this lead to double-digits. In the fourth period, however, the visitors tried to come back and even cut the deficit to a one-possession game (54-57) but eventually fell short.
Scottie Wilbekin had an all-around good performance as he flirted with a triple-double: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists. JaJuan Johnson was also effective with his 17 points and 9 rebounds. For the losing side, Danilo Nikolic had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Both teams shot poorly beyond the arc (Darussafaka: 25% / Buducnost: 23.5%) but the visiting side had trouble even in the free-throw line (61.1%) and that of course affected the final outcome.