By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Manisa Basket entered the fourth week of action in the Basketball Champions League Round of 16 with their backs on the wall, forced to win in order to keep hoping about extending their stay.
However, the challenge was a difficult one: Rytas Vilnius, considering Malaga’s loss last week, had the opportunity to stay tied on top of Group J. But things went Manisa’s way, as the Turkish team not only won 98-75 but also got the tiebreaker after the two teams’ latest matchup.
Without Saben Lee, Chris Chiozza took care of business in the backcourt with a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists; his partner Hugo Besson added 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Fabian White Jr. led the whole team in scoring with 25 points, assisted by his frontcourt teammate Jo Lual-Acuil who dominated at the rim with a 20-point and 13-rebound double-double.
Moving to Rytas, RJ Cole tried his best in order to prevent the defeat with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, but he wasn’t enough for his side. Savion Flagg added 10 points and 7 rebounds.
Following last week’s surprising success by Galatasaray against Unicaja and yesterday’s revenge by the reigning champions, Rytas and Galatasaray are now tied at 2-2, trailing Ibon Navarro’s team at 3-1.
Post-game press conference:
PHOTO CREDIT: Basketball Champions League