By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Handling nerve-racking situations can go a long way in a six-game round-robin format and Thad McFadden used his experience getting UCAM Murcia to the win, 75-72, opposite Tofas Tuesday.
Among the highlights of his long career are two Basketball Champions League titles and 57 games played in the FIBA continental competition. McFadden switching to Murcia was initially met with struggles, both individually and as a team. Putting in ten of his 13 points in the fourth quarter helped his side get the lead entering crunch time and eventually repelling the bid of the team based in Bursa for the win in Palacio de Deportes de Murcia.
With the visitors guided by Dimitris Priftis earning one last chance to prevail, Suleiman Braimoh stepped out of bounds in the attempt to pull down an offensive rebound. Recovering possession with 1.6 seconds remaining, the home side was not about to misstep. Back in the BCL after a three-year break, Murcia made it to 1-0 and forced the opponents to 0-1 in Group A.
Northern Colorado product Jordan Davis hit 16 points in the Regular Season Round 1 contest. Ilimane Diop chipped in 13 points. Also, Ryan Luther grabbed 14 rebounds for the team coached by Sito Alonso. Nemanja Radovic was not available.
On the losing end, youngster Berke Buyuktuncel had a breakout showing with 15 points. Braimoh finished with 14 points. Berk Ugurlu logged 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Both Ilkan Karaman and Josh Reaves were sidelined.
Postgame press conference:
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League