By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After squandering a 16-point advantage and coming three losses in a row across all competitions, Darussafaka distanced itself again to claim the win, 88-76, versus NutriBullet Treviso Tuesday evening.
Elite defender Dogus Ozdemiroglu was effective on both ends racking up 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals in the Basketball Champions League Round of 16 Gameday 2 fixture.
Former Cincinnati Bearcat Troy Caupain banked in a game-high 19 points, including eight in the final quarter as his side pulled away. He also recorded a game-high six assists.
British Gabriel Olaseni added 16 points and eight rebounds. He was the driving force for Dacka outscoring its opponents, 42-22, in the paint, while edging the rebounding battle, 41-31. The team from Istanbul improved to 1-1 in Group J after losing to fellow Turkish side Tofas in Gameday 1. At the domestic level, the team coached by Selcuk Ernak sits at 13-6 in the BSL.
Massimiliano Menetti’s side attempting 36 three-pointers compared to 29 two-pointers heavily relied on long-range shots at Volkswagen Arena Istanbul. The visitors ended up with 41.5% from the field falling to 0-1.
Giordano Bortolani led the losing side with 19 points, including ten in the third period, but was kept silent in the fourth quarter. Polish Michal Sokolowski followed with 17 points for the Italian club carrying a 7-8 record in domestic LBA Serie A.
Estonian guard Mikk Jurkatamm hurt his left knee early in the first quarter and did not return. Henry Sims remained sidelined.
Postgame press conference:
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League