By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Murcia won the bronze medal the Basketball Champions League Final Four after prevailing over MHP Riesen 85 – 74 in the third-place game.
The Spanish side put a great effort on the floor after falling to AEK in the semifinal with a dramatic fashion, dominating the battle of the rebounds 46 – 28 and scoring 16 second-chance points against their opponents’ four.
MHP Riesen was overwhelmed on the rebounding front, but didn’t go down without a fight. After falling behind with double-digit deficits multiple times during the game, the German team reduced the margin to four, 70 – 74, with three minutes left, after two consecutive baskets. Yet Murcia swingman Sadiel Rojas answered with a 3-pointer plus a free throw to once again put his team at a distance.
Charlon Kloof then sealed the deal for Murcia with a pair of free throws for the 74 – 82 with 45 seconds remaining. It was all over.
Rojas was the top performer for Murcia with 21 PIR after scoring 18 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Ovie Soko posted a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
For Riesen, Kerron Johnson finished with 17 points and nine assists.