BC Khimki 79 EKA AEL Lemesos 64

BC Khimki began their FIBA Europe League season with a blast from the past, as legendary Soviet player and Olympic gold medal winner Alexander Boloshev was invited to make the opening jump ball.

Lemesos' debut at this level did not seem to impact the Cypriot champions too much and the game remained close for the entire first half.

It was in the 3rd quarter that the home team stepped up on the defensive end, allowing Lemesos to score just 5 points in the period. The 20-5 run gave Khimki a 21-point lead and the 4th quarter allowed Head Coach Elevich, who coached the Russian national team at Eurobasket 2003, a chance to use his entire bench.

Foward Alexander Petrenko was the top scorer for Khimiki with 17 points in just 18 minutes. Veteran guard Vassili Karassev added 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 asissts.

Lemesos guard/forward Duane Woodward was named MVP of the night for his 29 point, 7 rebound, 6 steal performance.

Quotes BC Khimiki - EKA AEL Lemesos

Dragan Raca, Head Coach, AEL Lemesos:

"BC Khimki has many good players in their roster, in every position. I think, the Russian club is one of the favorites of Group B. Our mistakes in the third quarter were the main for reason of the defeat of my club."

Sergey Eelevich, Head Coach BC Khimki:

"Our basketball wasn’t quality basketball. Too many mistakes in the offense and defense. Some of our players were in the national team, four of them prepared and played in the Universiade in Korea. Now we’re still looking for our game."