By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The first two games of the Euroleague qualifying round were big fights, but in the end the hosts, Lietuvos Rytas, got what they wanted and they will face German club EWE Oldenburg in the first semifinal.
Reinaldas Seibutis proved to be still hot from his Eurobasket campaign, he scored 23 points and led Lietuvos to the 80-71 win over Latvian champion VEF Riga. He also gave the assist which led to a three pointer by Omar Cook that gave a seven points lead to Lietuvos (78-71) with one minute to go and sealed the outcome of the game. Riga played without center Gani Lawal. “That was his decision. I was not satisfied with his attitude during practices and friendly games. But Gani Lawal himself decided not to travel with us for some reasons. We have to talk now with his agent to terminate the contract” said coach Butautas.
EWE Oldenburg secured its 79-74 win over Varese in the free throws line. Ricky Paulding and James Joyce combined for 5/6 attempts in the last minute, when the Italians were forced to foul in order to stop the clock as they were trailing.