Burgos captures FIBA Champions League title
Hereda San Pablos Burgos prevailed 64-59 over Pinar Karsiyaka in the FIBA Basketball Championship League final on Sunday.
Burgos reached the final by defeating SIG Strasbourg 81-70 in an impressive performance in Friday’s semifinal clash.
In the title match, Brazilian guard Vitor Benite sparked Burgos with 15 points. He received the Final 8 MVP award. Teammate Alex Renfroe added 14 points in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, before an announced crowd of 1,500.
As a result of its cohesive play, Burgos captured the title for the second straight year.
“The most important is that we played together,” Burgos coach Joan Penarroya said after the game. “Karsiyaka is a great team, very good in the offensive rebound and the most important thing is that we were ready to play hard.
“In Athens, we played great in offense, we scored the three, we scored in the fast break, but here in Nizhny Novgorod our offensive talent was not the most important thing. The important thing was our composure, our defense, rebounding. We played like champions.”
Burgos overcomes poor shooting
Burgos shot 35 percent from the floor in the championship match, but coach Joan Penarroya’s club overcame its offensive struggles by playing effective defense.
Pinar Karsiyaka made 36.1 percent of its shots.
There were six lead changes and zero ties in the final.
Key contributors for Burgos
Burgos’ Jasiel Rivero scored nine points and Dejan Kravic chipped in with eight points, eight rebounds and a pair of blocks.
Amath M’Baye led Pinar Karsiyaka with 17 points and eight rebounds. Raymar Morgan scored 13 points and Metecan Birsen had 10 for the Turkish club.
The thrill of victory
Winning consecutive Basketball Champions League titles is a big deal to Benite.
Just ask him.
This is what he’ll tell you, as he related to reporters: “It’s not only about Burgos. The Basketball Champions League is an amazing competition, grows year by year, we have better teams, better players. and for Burgos to be able to play twice and win it’s a stage that you can showcase your talent. The BCL is the future in Europe and we are happy to be part of it.”