By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
PAOK defeated Ventspils in the first “playoff test” in the Basketball Champions League with 80-59.
The visiting side had a promising start taking an important lead in the second quarter (39 – 25, 15′). Vangelis Margaritis didn’t miss a single shot in the first half and PAOK finished the first half in front 46 – 36.
Ventspils reacted with a 0 – 9 run but the visiting side kept a double-digit lead with 10 minutes left (67 – 54). Emanuel Ubilla tried to reduce the difference scoring 17 points for Ventspils but PAOK remained strong.
The Greek team received just 5 points in the last quarter and enjoyed a comfortable ending.
The key: The bench made the difference in the game with the winners’ substitutes scoring 49 points.
The star: Ousman Krubally (12p. 10r.) and Lucky Jones (11 p. 13r.) had a double-double each for PAOK.
Photo credit: BCL