By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Playing for Group C supremacy, Hapoel Atsmon Holon controlled the second half and secured the win, 82-73, versus Galatasaray Nef Wednesday evening.
Former Virginia Tech standout Erick Green added yet another productive showing in his long career overseas. He logged 22 points behind 6/11 field goals in the Basketball Champions League Regular Season Gameday 3 contest. Wichita State product Joe Ragland went for 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Besides a solid defensive effort, it was effective shooting keeping the team coached by Guy Goodes close in rough patches of the first half and in charge throughout the second half. The hosts making 14/27 from beyond the arc was sort of a guarantee for victory.
Both sides were coming in sitting on top of Group C at 2-0. Last season’s meetings resulted in a couple of wins for the teams playing hosts. The same here, plus the seventh consecutive BCL win in Holon Toto Hall achieved by the reigning champions of Israel’s Winner League.
Powering the comeback bid late in the fourth quarter, Dee Bost became the fourth player with over 600 points and 200 assists in Champions League history. The previous players reaching the mark were David Holston, J’Covan Brown, and Tony Taylor.
The naturalized Bulgarian star ended up with 17 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two steals in the losing effort. Braian Angola followed with 14 points to his name in Holon, Israel. In his debut with the Lions, Ian Hummer registered four points and three rebounds in 12 minutes.
The missing players for both sides, C.J. Harris and Jehyve Floyd remained on respective injury lists.
Postgame press conference:
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League