7DAYS EuroCup: UNICS passes Limoges

A single game opened Round 2 of the 7DAYS EuroCup Top 16 on Tuesday, with the remaining seven contests scheduled for Wednesday. It was left to Limoges and Unics Kazan to get the week’s action underway, with Kazan making the journey to France.

We are only two games into the 7DAYS EuroCup Top 16 and Group H is taking shape after this game. Thanks to a 66-69 road success, Unics Kazan has gotten off to a hot start and sits unbeaten at the top of the Group H standings. As for Limoges, the French team is without a win in the Top 16, but still has time to turn its fortunes around.

Limoges will certainly be angered this evening and will feel a chance was missed to win this game. The hosts got off to a great start and dominated the first quarter for a 10-17 lead at the first split. Unics Kazan warmed up in the second quarter and used a 15-17 frame to reduce the gap. Nevertheless, through the long break Limoges held a 32-27 advantage.

The low scoring continued in the third act, but it seemed like the visitors had wrestled the momentum and used it with a 17-22 frame. That was enough to tie the score through thirty minutes, with the scoreboard locked on 49-49. A nervy fourth quarter followed, but Kazan edged the deciding period with a 17-20 run. The visitors were in control 58-64 with 90 seconds to play. Limoges rallied, but Unics held for the win.

Stephane Lasme paced Unics Kazan with 13 points, Danilo Andusic secured 12 points, and Jamar Smith tabbed 11 points.

William Howard drained 14 points and pulled in 7 rebounds in the losing effort, while Axel Bouteille grabbed 11 points.