26.10.2004

RBC Verviers-Pepinster 74 vs. Besiktas JK Istanbul 76

There was a nice atmosphere this evening in the stands of the "Hall du Paire" as Turkish and Belgian supporters were singing as loud as they could to help their colours. From the start both teams played a attractive game.

Gerben Van Dorpe was in best form to bring the home team ahead, whereas on the Turkish side Ratko Varda imposed his strength in the paint and was a real problem for M.Douthit, even if Douthit was taking a few rebounds. During the fisrt quarter the two weren't giving each other any presents.Verviers-Pepinster finally took the lead after 10 minutes.

The second quarter was almost the same. Besiktas scored many baskets to get back in the game, 22-22 after 3 minutes. Then Veviers-Pepinster put more speed in the game and took an unexpected advantage at half time (47-39) thanks to Autry, Van Dorpe and Petrovic. El Amin and Varda had been the best players on the Turkish side.

Besiktas came back from the locker rooms with a lot of agressivity. Their offenses were much better to allow them to come back slowly into the game. Their good job allowed them to take the lead (59-60) 50 seconds before the end of the 3rd quarter.

The last period was very close. Both teams kept improving the level of the game. Despite a good match Skelin’s boys just couldn’t win. Just 3 points behind (65-68) 5 minutes before the end the supporters of both sides were hot and confident and the end was a real thriller.

M.Douthit scored a 3-pointer to tie the game (73-73), but the Turks scored with Varda on an offensive rebound and controlled the last seconds.

26.10.2004

Quotes RBC VERVIERS-PEPINSTER vs. BESIKTAS JK ISTANBUL

Bayulket (Besiktas coach)
It was a good game from both teams. Verviers-Pepinster played strong and I congratulate them. To participate in this League is a good thing for our club.

Ivica Skelin (Pepinster coach)
We played well in the 1st half. We lost the game in the paint as we couldn’t stop Varda. We played a serious game, but we made a few mistakes in the last moments.

T. Telkinap (Besiktas)
We have a new team.We need time to play well together. It was an nice game and this win is important for the rest of the competition.

G. Van Dorpe (Pepinster)
Reounding was the key of the game. I’m really satisfied with our presentation. We stayed in the game but unfortunately we lost the rebound battle which was essential tonight.