Qualifying Round D, Game 1 preview: Allianz Swans - Red Star
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Allianz Swans hopes to continue to give Austrian basketball a good name, but faces a tough challenge in the Eurocup second qualifying round against Red Star Belgrade. Head coach Bob Gonnen's Austrian side put together a strong first round first leg in beating Tartu Rock of Estonia by 22 points before holding on to advance by 7. The main man for Gonnen is veteran guard Deteri Mayes, who averaged 23 points and 4.5 rebounds in the series. Guard Anthony Fisher struggled from the field, but had 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5 assists, while power forward Matthias Mayer was a big boost in the paint with 9.5 points per contest. Forward Reggie Huffman and Shelton Colwell both were strong in the middle, each chipping in with 6 rebounds a game. But Swans' chances start and end with Mayes. Red Star meanwhile has been red hot to start the season by winning its first five games in the Adriatic League. Successful veteran head coach Svetislav Pesic is determined to bring the team further in this competition then it has in the past, which included the ULEB Cup quarterfinals in 2006 and 2007 and the Last 16 last season. Pesic's squad is well balanced with seven players averaging at least 7 points per game in the Adriatic League. Guard Andre Owens is the top scorer with 12.7 points along with 4.2 points and 2.5 assists. Guard Marko Marinovic averages 12 points and has been key with 3.5 assists. Power forward Lawrence Roberts (9.5 points and 5.3 rebounds) and centers Elmedin Kikanovic and Vladimir Stimac are a dynamic trio in the paint. If Pesic can get his troops to play to their potential, they are the overwhelming favorite to win the opener.
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Monday, November 03, 2008
Eurocupbasketball.com
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