While TalkBasket.net were busy in Barcelona bringing you coverage of this year’s Copa del Rey, there was other finals being held around Europe. Here’s a brief round-up.
Italy:
In a repeat of last year’s final, Montepaschi Siena were comfortable against Bennet Cantu, running out 88-71 victors.
David Andersen led Siena with 23 points with Ksistof Lavrinovic supporting with 16 as the reigning league champions led for the majority of the game to claim the Italian Cup to their impressive trophy cabinet.
Bennet Cantu were led by 15 from Gianluca Basile.
Serbia:
Partizan won its fifth Serbian Cup in a row after disposing of Crvena Zvezda 64-51.
Crvena were the aggressors to begin, but when Partizan tied the game at 21 mid-way through the second, they went on an 8-0 run and never looked back as they solidified their status as kings of Serbia.
Vladimir Lucic led the victors with 11 points with Dominic James hitting 10. Zvezda were fronted by Mile Ilic’s 12 points.
Turkey:
Besiktas won the Turkish Cup after a 78-74 triumph over Banvit.
Serhat Cetin led the winners with an MVP performance of 14 points with Pops Mensah-Bonsu securing an 11 point, 12 rebound double-double as Besiktas continued their impressive season with some silverware.
Banvit BK were led by Serkan Erdogan’s 15 points.
“We’ve finally managed to bring the Turkish Cup home,” a very happy Besiktas coach Ergin Ataman said. “I am proud of everyone involved, especially our fans for their incredible support throughout the game.”
Slovenia:
Union Olimpija won their 18th Slovenian Cup as they defeated long-time rivals Krka Novo Mesto 68-63.
Deon Thompson was named MVP, as he grabbed 11 points and nine rebounds for the victors, despite being victims of a 22-6 Novo Mesto surge in the second quarter, as Union Olimpija trailed 40-29.
The Ljubljana side though responded, and a vital 12-1 run in the final period completed the comeback as they went on to win.
Poland:
Trefl Sopot won the Polish Cup after defeating Zastal Zielona Gora 77-73 thanks to 25 points from Finals MVP Lukasz Kosarek.
Sopot started strongly and led 22-13 after the first quarter and kept a double-digit lead for the majority of the contest.
Walter Hodge had 21 points in vain for Zastal Zielona Gora.
France:
Blake Schlib’s 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists helped Chalon to a 73-66 victory over Gravelines in the Semaine des As.
“We suffered to win this final,” Schlib said afterwards. “Two weeks ago, we were hearing that there was no chance to be champions this year and that motivated us.”
It was a repeat of last year’s final, but it was a reverse of this year’s result as Gravelines were tasting victory.
Greece:
No final in this troublesome country, but both Panathinaikos and Olympiacos won their semi-final games, against Kavala and PAOK respectively and will face-off in the March 10 final, for the fifth season in a row. Definitely the biggest matchup after Copa ACB final.
