By Eurohoops team/info@eurohoops.net
With a tremendous 21-7 run in the last quarter, Aris Thessaloniki easily beat Banvit 72-53 at home and finished first in group D. The hosts ended the group stage with a 7-3 record, whereas the visitors, who have qualified as well, had a 5-5 record and will find out on Wednesday whether they will claim second, third or fourth place.
Jerel McNeal had 20 points for the winners, with Okaro White adding 12 and eight rebounds. On the other hand, Dominique Johnson was unstoppable (20 points) for the losing squad, but his performance wasn’t enough to give his team the victory.
In the beginning, the match was close (16-17), with the Greeks playing better offensively in the second quarter (conceding just 12 points) and ending the first half in front by four (33-29). In the second half, Banvit managed to remain close after 30 minutes in the game (51-46), however Aris made a 21-7 run in the last quarter, extended its lead to double digits (67-51) and claimed an easy victory, which helped the team secure the first place in group D.
In the other match of the night, Ulm beat Nancy on the road (76-80) and advanced to the Last 32, whereas the French team has now been eliminated.
For the winners, six players were in double digits, with James Bell scoring 18 points. On the other hand, four players were in double digits for the losing squad, as Da’Sean Butler had 13 points.
The hosts took a nine-point advantage in the beginning (21-12), however the visitors responded, outscored their opponents 15-27 and closed the first half in front by three (36-39). In the second half, Nancy made a tremendous 24-10 run to regain the lead (60-49), but Ulm fought back, made an amazing 16-31 run in the last quarter and earned the victory (76-80).