By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Once again Neptunas Klaipeda dominated the floor in the Basketball Champions League. This time they hammered PAOK at home as they recorded their fifth victory (82-69). It was a one-sided affair from the very begging as Neptunas built 20 points lead in the first quarter 29-9. The Lithuanian side had made it clear that they were in complete control of the game with a 51-33 lead after the first half.
The Key: An offensive festival by Neptunas in the first quarter propelled them to an easy victory. The Greeks played for their pride as they were able to cut the lead to 10 points in the last quarter (77-67). They didn’t have the energy to do much more.
The Star: Arnas Butkevicius had an outstanding performance. He has played 17 minutes, scored 13 points, grabbed 9 boards, dished out 8 assists, stole the ball 3 times with just one turnover and an efficiency rating of 30 in the first half. In the second half, he completed the triple-double. He finished the game with 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. All that was enough for an impressive rating 41. Juan Palacios was his partner in a crime with a double-double game (16 points, 11 rebounds).
Linos Chrysikopoulos had 14 points for the losing side.
Neptunas moved to a 5-1 record and PAOK slid to a 1-5.
Photo credit: FIBA