By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
There were some stunning performances, including at least one from a non-Play-Offs bound pivot who took on the role of spoiler.
Manny Harris
His team’s back was against the wall. Win at home against Medi Bayreuth on Tuesday and AEK would force their way into to the top four of Group C but lose, well, the Round of 16 hopes would die. With Harris wheeling and dealing as he usually does, the Greek side edged an 83-81 thriller. Harris put in a stunning effort and every bit of it was important. He finished with 23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals and a +31 efficiency. Round of 16, here AEK come!
Mateusz Ponitka, Guard
Ponitka, 24, has been very, very good in his two seasons in the Basketball Champions League. But on Tuesday night in Klaipeda, Lithuania, the Poland international was downright nasty! He absolutely dominated and also finished with a +31 efficiency. Ponitka put the Neptunas defense under intense pressure, twice driving in from the left and scoring. He hit 3-pointers, made slick passes while hanging in the air and flying towards the rim. Ponitka was 8 of 9 from the floor and 3 of 4 from deep. He ended up with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Iberostar Tenerife’s 83-67 win clinched first place in Group B.
Damien Inglis, Forward
The 2.04m Inglis, just 22, is a symbol of just how much emerging talent there is in the Basketball Champions League. In one of his most impactful games since joining SIG Strasbourg at the end of December, Inglis had 13 points and 6 rebounds as the French club won 80-63 at Banvit to claim first place in Group A.
Martin Breunig, Center
Telekom Baskets Bonn couldn’t finish any higher than seventh in Group D but that didn’t stop the German club from making a statement to their fans that every game is important as it attempts to establish a presence in Europe. Due in large part to the excellence of Breunig, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds, Bonn beat Sidigas Avellino 79-74 to prevent the Italian outfit from leapfrogging Stelmet Enea Zielona Gora into fourth place and a spot in the Round of 16. Breunig, indeed, played the role of spoiler.
Jarrod Jones, Center
Jones has been a model of consistency, three times earning places on the Team of the Week while making sure Pinar Karsiyaka are among the top sides in the Basketball Champions League. On Wednesday night, he poured in 21 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and handed out 4 assists to help the Izmir team inflict a first defeat on AS Monaco Basket this season, 84-77.
Source: Basketball Champions League