By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Chris Johnson’s go-ahead three-pointer sent Hapoel U-NET Holon to the win, 71-68, against MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg Wednesday night.
The former Dayton standout unknotted the last tie of the back-and-forth Basketball Champions League Round of 16 Gameday 5 fixture with 1:35 left. Sinking a couple of free throws to cement the win improved his total to a team-high 17 points.
Experienced guard Joe Ragland was stellar on both ends carrying out a key defensive stop following Johnson’s clutch triple. The Wichita State product produced 15 points, nine assists, and four rebounds. Rafi Menco and Michale Kyser added 11 points apiece. Frederic Bourdillon, Hayden Dalton, and Niv Misgav were sidelined.
Following 14 lead changes, both teams ended up at 3-2 in Group I. John Patrick’s side, a couple of days after defeating Galatasaray Nef in overtime, would secure a spot in the Quarterfinals with a second consecutive BCL win in MHP Arena and sixth across all competitions, including Germany’s easyCredit BBL.
Northern Colorado alumnus Jonah Radebaugh was the key Ludwigsburg player from the get-go but delivering 22 points and pulling down eight rebounds was not enough. Tremmell Darden and Jordan Hulls had 13 and 11 points, respectively, in the losing effort. Ethan Happ and Tekele Cotton were not available.
Wrapping up the double-legged round-robin schedule next Wednesday and aiming to make it to the next round, the team coached by Guy Goodes will welcome JDA Dijon in Israel and the German outlet will travel to Germany and face Galatasaray.
Postgame press conference:
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League