By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Defense took over in the fourth quarter, despite missing specialist Yorman Polas Bartolo. MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg got the job done against King Wilki Morskie Szczecin.
Josh King’s side used a late 9-0 run to reach winning conditions en route to the 82-78 victory opposite the reigning champions in Poland on Tuesday.
Former Buffalo standout Jayvon Graves neared his best scoring performance in Europe with 22 points to his name. He made 7/14 from the field, including 2/4 from beyond the arc. Throwing in seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal, he drew a team-high efficiency rating of 25.
Packing an efficiency rating of 23, Elijah Childs put in 12 points behind 6/7 shots before fouling out with 58 seconds left in the fourth period of the exciting Basketball Champions League contest. Besides Polas Bartolo being ruled out for Gameday 2, Jeff Roberson (knee) was out as well.
The visitors were in control for just over 34 minutes but failed to hold on down the stretch. Previously up by a margin of 10 points, they led by four points with 3:48 on the clock. Ludwigsburg replying with nine unanswered points and holding on in crunch time sent both sides to 1-1 in Group D of the Regular Season.
Experienced point guard Andrzej Mazurczak posted a 15-point, 11-assist double-double alongside six rebounds and three steals. He had a game-high efficiency rating of 28 in MHP Arena. Morris Udeze finished with 15 points and nine rebounds in the losing effort.
Postgame press conference
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League