By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Stefan Markovic notched a double-double of 13 points plus 11 assists, Aaron White flirted with one after 18 points and 9 rebounds as Zenit St. Petersbug beat VEF Riga 93 – 81 making the 1 – 0 in the quarterfinals.
Janis Blums scored 16 while Mareks Mejeris had 12 and 8 rebounds for Riga.
The Russian squad got off to a steamy 26 – 15 start in the first quarter and simply never looked back. Despite the Latvians’ efforts, the hosts always kept a relative control in the match, preserving a safe, favorable margin.
Riga had a last chance when it made it 83 – 76 with 5 minutes remaining but a 10 – 0 answer by Zenit put an end to whatever hopes they had.