Basketball Champions League: Final Four set
The Final Four of the first-ever FIBA Basketball Champions League has been locked down after the completion of the two-legged Quarter-Finals stage.
Wednesday saw some scintillating action in the competition as the teams gave their all to make the Final Four. Tenerife stylishly dispatched Lyon to progress, while Monaco overcame Sassari on the road. Also tasting road success was Banvit, with a buzzer-beating win over Ludwigsburg. Joining the Final Four picture is Umana Venezia after a home win over Karsiyaka.
Iberostar Tenerife vs. ASVEL Lyon, 61-51
After tying 62-62 in France a week ago, Spanish club Tenerife knew it could get the job done with homecourt advantage. French champs ASVEL Lyon made a game of it, but the islanders were too good, claiming a 123-113 aggregate win. The hosts controlled long spells of the game, and led 30-24 through halftime. Lyon hit back in the third with a 11-14 run, but Tenerife regained the momentum in the fourth act to settle the tie. The winners shared scoring duties, with Giorgos Bogris the only Tenerife player in double digits with 12 points.
Banco di Sardegna Sassari vs. Monaco, 76-79
Monaco completed the job it started last week by beating Sassari on the road for a 128-152 aggregate score. It was a comfortable tie overall, but the French club was made to work hard in Italy. The visitors took a 15-18 first quarter lead and a tied 19-19 second frame made it 34-37 through the long break. Monaco all but settled the tie with a 20-26 third act, but the hosts rallied to at least make it interesting down the straight. Zack Wright had an excellent game for the winning effort, claiming 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists.
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Umana Venezia vs. Pinar Karsiyaka Izmir, 74-66
Despite losing 74-71 in Turkey last week, Umana Venezia was close enough to have a run at this FIBA Basketball Champions League tie at home. The Italians put in an excellent second half display to claim a 145-137 aggregate win. However, it was Karsiyaka heading to the Final Four at halftime, the visitors had opened a 36-39 lead and was six clear over two legs. Venezia came out for the second half rejuvenated, the hosts drained 37 points over two periods to stun the Turkish club and win the game.
Ludwigsburg vs. Banvit, 53-59
Ludwigsburg defeated Banvit 87-92 last week in a high scoring contest that put the German club in the driver’s seat. However, this cagier second leg saw the Turkish visitors stay cool as the game went to the wire. With just seconds to go, Jordan Theodore poured in a double to beat the buzzer and grab a huge win for Banvit. Theodore was an architect for much of the good play, finishing with 13 points, 7 boards, and 5 scoring passes.