By Stefan Djordjevic / sdjordjevic@eurohoops.net
In the first domestic matchup of the Basketball Champions League Playoffs, Pinar Karsiayaka grabbed a 78-70 home win against Tofas Brusa in Group I as they beat them for the third time this season, as they previously did it twice in the Turkish League.
Amath M’Baye was leading the charge with 25 points on 10-14 shooting while Raymar Morgan followed with 15 and DJ Kennedy with ten points. Metecan Brisen logged 12 rebounds in addition to six points.
On the opposing side, Tomislav Zubcic scored 15 points while Tarik Phillip helped with 11 and Berek Ugurlu with ten points. DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell and Jeremy Simmons added nine each.
Tofas was off to a better start (19-11) but Karisyaka’s control of the paint paid off throughout the match as they slowly turned things around. They were up 38-36 at halftime while an 11-4 run in the fourth quarter (68-61) capped off by M’Baye’s three-pointer gave them enough distance to hold on for the win.
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League