Qualifying Round E, Game 1 report: Panellinios 96-69 BC Kyiv
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Panellinios took a major step towards the Eurocup group stage by blasting BC Kyiv 96-69 on Tuesday in Athens. Anthony Grundy scored 24 points, Ivan Radenovic added 21 and Jurica Golemac posted 13 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists to lead Panellinios to victory. The 27-point win gives the club a large cushion heading into the deciding second leg next week in Ukraine. Radenovic hit a pair of jumpers during a 9-0 second-period run that gave the hosts a double-digit lead, which grew to 53-35 by halftime. Panellinios didn’t rest as the lead swelled to 31 in the closing minutes of the convincing win. Brad Newley added 14 for the winners, who committed just 9 turnovers compared to Kyiv’s 17. Brent Wright paced the visitors with 14 points and Artur Drozdov added 12.
QUOTES
Panellinios head coach Elias Zouros:
"I want to once again congratulate my players. Today we had concentration throughout the game and played great defense. Golemac played more because of the injury to Nadjfeji. This game is over and nothing is finished. We must still concentrate on the game in Ukraine. The difference in score gives us a safety cushion, but does not mean anything."
Panellinios guard Manolis Papamakarios:
"The important thing is that we won and we played our best game. Kiev is a very good team and we should not look at the difference in scores. We made the game seem easy. In Ukraine, the game will be very difficult and we have already stopped our celebration. But I think the team is experienced and will go to Kiev to get the victory."
BC Kyiv head coach Sasa Obradovic:
"I am very disappointed with our performance. I could find an excuse, because we have two new players, but this is not enough. Panellinios played an outstanding game and didn’t allow us to react. They had great cooperations on the court and high shooting percentages. We have to be realistic regarding the second leg game. We will not quit and we will try hard, but they have a great advantage..."
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Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Eurocupbasketball.com
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