Gussing Knights clinches Austrian title

UBC Magnofit Gussing Knights won the Austrian A Bundesliga for the first time after clinching a third consecutive victory against Kapfenberg. After being 2-0 down in the series, the Knights looked down and out, but this 72-76 road win capped a remarkable three game streak that turned the series around and won the title for the club for the first time.

It was not an easy win for the Gussing Knights though as Kapfenberg had home court advantage and used it well in the opening quarters. The hosts poured in 25 points during an energetic first quarter, and while the Knights kept pace, the score was 25-21 after 10 minutes. Kapfenberg extended its lead in the second quarter, although the period was much closer and the scoreboard read 40-35 at halftime. The visitors found more consistency in the third frame, but could only slash the lead by one point with the score sitting on 59-55 with just the fourth to play. The game and the title could still go either way, but Gussing Knights had the better of the final stanza to win the 10 minutes 13-21 to take the victory.

Anthony Shavies paced the winning effort with 15 points, 7 boards, and 4 assists, while Travis Taylor went close to a double-double with 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Ian Boylan secured a game high 17 points for the hosts, while he also dished out 7 assists. Shawn Ray followed Boylan with 16 points.