By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Long-time Basketball Champions League participants, Igokea m:tel, started the 2024/25 season with a home win.
Led by Bryce Jones, Nenad Stefanović’s players defeated Nanterre in Laktasi 86-80.
It was a tense game, with neither team gaining a double-digit advantage and featuring seven lead changes. However, Igokea took control in the second half, fended off the French team’s comeback attempts, and secured the win.
Bryce Jones led the way with 18 points, while the experienced Dragan Milosavljević added 15. Terrell Carter and Sacar Anim chipped in with 12 points each.
Borisa Simanić, who returned to the court after a year of absence due to a serious injury sustained at the 2023 FIBA World Cup representing Serbia—resulting in the removal of a kidney—played his first-ever BCL game and scored 14 points, shooting 4/7 from beyond the arc.
As for Nanterre, former NBA and ASVEL guard Frank Jackson had 20 points. Milan Barbitch recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 assists, while Desi Rodriguez contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. Justin Tillman also added 12 points for the losing side.
“This is Igokea basketball”
Head coach of Igokea, Nenad Stefanovic, shared his insights after the game.
“My players showed very good character, stood up in all situations. We were nervous in the first half and didn’t play our basketball, but luckily, with some good individual performances, we kept the score manageable. The second half, that was Igokea basketball. Much better defense, moving the ball, sharing the ball, and in the end, we deserved the win,” Stefanovic said.
Postgame press conference: