Ukraine Superleague: Khimik downs Donetsk

Ukraine Superleague – BC Donetsk held on to top spot in the Superleague despite falling at home to second placed Khimik in a high scoring game that ended 86-95.

The loss put an end to the three game winning streak that Donetsk was on and was the second loss of the season for the team. The table toppers remain in control in the Ukraine Superleague after posting ten wins so far this season, but the loss has opened the door for Khimik. The visitors secured the win to take their own winning run to an impressive seven victories in a row and the club knows that first place in the Superleague is now within reach.

BC Donetsk sits out the next round on Christmas Eve and if Khimik can defeat Asovmash on the road the team will go top of the league with a 10-1 record. Ifs and buts maybe, but what is certain is that Khimik laid down a marker for the rest of the season as the team impressed against the league leaders.

A fantastic opening period saw the guests take a 16-27 lead to take control of the game. Indeed, it was the first quarter that set the tone for the victory as Khimik netted 28 in the second quarter while Donetsk only managed 19 to put a twenty point gap between the teams at halftime (35-55). The Superleague leaders responded in the third quarter to outscore the visitors by 30-20, but it was not enough to take the lead with the score at 65-75 heading into the fourth. A close fourth quarter that ended 21-20 in favour of the hosts was enough to see Khimik win and take an important road win.

Romeo Travis (201 cm, Akron´07) paced the winners with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Jamal Shuler (191 cm) put in a fine performance with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Ben McCauley (206 cm, North Carolina State´09) was the standout player in the losing effort with a game high 23 points and 7 rebounds.

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Other games of the night (22nd December)
Azovmash vs. BC Odessa, 74-91
Ferro-ZNTU vs. DniproAzot, 79-68