Keravnos reached two wins in as many games in Group 4 of the FIBA Europe Cup tonight, defeating the Slovakian team Nitra Blue Wings 88-78 on their home court.
Thus, although there are still eight games remaining in the group stage, Keravnos appears determined to qualify for the next round.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Keravnos earned a well-deserved victory based on the flow of the game, as they led for most of the contest, and even though the home team tied the score (63-63) at the end of the third quarter, they had the resilience to regain the lead during the decisive fourth quarter and secure the victory.
Givance was the top performer for Keravnos (18 points – 25 efficiency points).
The first quarter unfolded at a fast pace, with the home team taking an early 12-7 lead, against a Keravnos team that needed to improve its defense.
The Slovaks maintained a lead throughout, although Keravnos narrowed the gap to 14–13 just before the 6-minute mark.
Shortly afterward, Keravnos took the lead 16-14, having improved their defense.
By the end of the first period, the two teams were neck and neck, and at the 10-minute mark, Keravnos took a 23-21 lead!
Maintaining their improved defense and making even better choices on offense, Keravnos extended their lead to 7 points when, at the 14-minute mark, they led 34-27.
Staying fully focused, Keravnos’s players extended their lead to +12 when they led 40-28.
However, in the minutes that followed, the opponent went on a 9-2 run to cut the deficit to 42-37, but at the 20-minute mark, Keravnos led 45-37.
Early in the third quarter, Keravnos maintained a steady lead of between 5 and 7 points, thwarting all of the home team’s counterattacks.
However, by continuing to apply pressure on defense, they managed to cut the deficit to three points (63–60), and shortly before the 30-minute mark, they tied the score at 63–63.
The third quarter ended with that score, so the fourth quarter was highly anticipated.
Early in the fourth quarter, with a 6-0 run, Keravnos took a 69-63 lead, looking determined to secure the victory!
Shortly after, the home team cut the lead to 70–69, and the tension was now skyrocketing…
Aggressive defense was the dominant feature of the game…
At the 37-minute mark, Keravnos led 74–69 and was close to victory!
It was a victory they ultimately didn’t let slip away, as they held onto the lead despite pressure from their opponents and ultimately won 88-78.
Thus, Keravnos reached two wins after two games in Group 4 of the FIBA Europe Cup!
Quarter scores: 21-23, 37-45, 63-63, 78-88.
Nitra Blue Wings (Martin Blaho): Ikpe 8 (1), Bonner 14 (3), Adley 2, Kovacik 16 (2), Sattford 15 (3), Simko 5 (1), Fusek 9 (2), Urban 5 (1), Ingraham 4, Asman.
Keravnos (Vasilis Kounas): Givance 18 (2), Pasialis 6, Michael 4, Stylianou 6 (2), Tigkas 2, Flowers 8, Allen 18 (3), Crockett 13, Grimes 13.
