By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the crazy scenes before the tip-off that led to the game being delayed for 15 minutes, AEK beat 68-59 Reggio Emilia, which doesn’t start well in the post-Menetti era.
Without Janis Strelnieks, who has scored at least 15 points in three of his four 2022-23 BCL games, Akil Mitchell and Kenny Williams stepped up, combining for 31 points.
Tim Frazier managed the tempo of the black-and-yellow team, ending the game with 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Alexander Madsen added 10 points.
Andrea Cinciarini went once again close to a double-double with 11 points and 9 assists, playing a lot of P&R action with Mikael Hopkins, who had 13 points and 7 rebounds, but also 6 turnovers.
Osvaldas Olisevicius and Sacar Anim followed, combining for 21 points.
In the first game after Max Menetti’s sacking, the red-and-white team closed the second quarter up by 10 points, but couldn’t get the upper hand. AEK dominated in points in the paint (32 vs 14) and from the bench (28 vs 9).
With this victory, AEK reaches both Reggio Emilia and Pinar Karsiyaka on a 2-3 record. At the same time, Telekom Baskets Bonn officially qualifies for the Round of 16.
PHOTO CREDIT: Basketball Champions League