Pallacanestro Cantu are now two wins away from a spot in this season’s Euroleague after they defeated Lukoil Academic Sofia 87-79 in Desio, Italy.
This loss means that Sofia will now compete in the upcoming Eurocup after they fell victim to a 13-2 run that bridged between the third and foruth quarter to which they could not come back from.
Alex Tyus led the victors with 18 points on 8/9 shooting overall, supported by Jerry Smith, who racked up solid numbers of 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Darryl Watkins led all scorers for Sofia with 27 points but had little help elsewhere.
After a close first half, where Cantu led 48-47 heading into the third period, they pulled away towards the end of the third by beginning their 13-2 burst which carried on into the fourth, giving the Italian side a nine-point advantage. Sofia pulled it back to 71-66, midway through the final quarter but Cantu had enough to seal the win.
Nymburk makes light work of Oostende
Czech side CEZ Nyburk restricted Oostende to just three points in the fourth quarter as they progressed to the next round, winning 83-65.
Adrian Abrams led the Nymburk scoring with 15 points as he led a balanced scoring attack which saw four players in double-figures, scoring wise.
Oostende, who were led by Matthew Lojeski’s 16 points will play Eurocup basketball this season.
