By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The FIBA Europe Cup champion Dinamo Sassari joined the Basketball Champions League this season and started the campaign with a narrow 79-78 home win over Lietkabelis in Group A.
Dyshawn Pierre nailed 24 points on 8-10 shooting including the two game-winning free throws while also grabbing 12 rebounds. Dwayne Evans added 14 and Miro Bilan ten points.
For Lietkabelis, Zeljko Sakic logged 17 points and ten boards in addition to Vytenis Lipkevicius’ 11 and Ken Brown’s ten points.
After a tied first quarter (21-21), Sassari had the minimal lead at halftime (39-38). It was a balanced effort in the third quarter as well (57-57) but the hosts went ahead 77-70 in front of the final minute.
It seemed like a done deal but Lietkabelis scored eight straight points taking over the lead (78-77) but Thomas stayed calm from the free-throw line to hand his team the win. Lietkabelis had the final offense but couldn’t change the outcome.
Press Conference
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League