By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Effective defense worked wonders for Hapoel Holon in Arena Savaria.
A win, 80-70, against Filou Oostende, shaped a 1-0 lead in the Basketball Champions League Play-Ins on Wednesday.
Justin Smith stood out with a perfect 6/6 from the field boosting an 18-point showing in Game 1. The American import also pulled down eight rebounds and recorded four of his side’s nine steals. The team effort forcing the opponents to 16 turnovers produced 28 points.
Experienced swingman Shawn Dawson threw in 14 points. Belgian Hans Vanwijn finished with 13 points. Yotam Hanochi added 12 points. C.J. Harris went for 11 points, nine assists, two rebounds, and one steal. Niv Misgav (groin) stayed on the injury list.
After settling in Riga since the start of the continental campaign, the team coached by Amit Sherf switched to Szombathely to start the best-of-three series. Following up on the Game 1 win in COREtec Dome next week or in a potential Game 3 in Arena Riga will punch in a ticket to Group L of the Round of 16.
Coming out of five consecutive wins across all competitions, BCO fell short of stealing homecourt advantage after falling into a 15-point hole late in the fourth quarter. Khalil Ahmad shared a game-high 18 points in the losing effort. Simon Buysse had 13 points with 4/5 field goals, including an improbable buzzer-beater to end the first half. Haris Bratanovic was unavailable for the Belgium champions.
Postgame press conference
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League