By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
SIG Strasbourg beat PAOK mateco, 80-79, to sweep the Basketball Champions League Play-In series Wednesday.
After dropping 26 points in Game 1, Virginia Tech product Jarell Eddie produced a game-high 19 points behind six three-pointers at PAOK Sports Arena. John Roberson added 16 points, including the go-ahead bucket with 1:18 left in the contest.
The 80-78 scoreline was stuck through the last minute until David DiLeo missing two out of three free throws in the dying seconds of the tight battle sealed the deal for Strasbourg.
Czech international Jaromir Bohacik got 12 points. Captain DeAndre Lansdowne went for ten points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
The visitors failed to hold on to an early 13-point cushion but dug their way out of a 10-point hole. Eddie wrapped up the third quarter with a triple cutting in half the earlier high-mark for the team based in Thessaloniki and shifting momentum back to his side.
Winning Game 2 of the best-of-three series moved the team coached by Finnish play-caller Lassi Tuovi into Group L of the Round of 16. Falco Szombathely and Rytas were already in as Regular Season group winners. Lenovo Tenerife of Pinar Karsiyaka will complete the new group.
Marvin Jones tallied a team-high 15 points. Vlado Jankovic posted an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. Malcolm Griffin remained out for the team guided by Aris Lykogiannis.
The fourth loss in a row matched the longest losing streak throughout the five BCL campaigns.
Postgame press conference:
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League