| 11.01.2005
In Group D action of the FIBA Europe League, second-placed Paris Basket Racing hosted seventh-placed Exalco Olympia.
The home team was led in the first quarter by Clint Harrison's 12 points. With strong play around the rim and solid outside shooting Paris Basket took a 25-17 lead after the first ten minutes of play.
The second quarter continued much the same for the French team as they came out and nailed back-to-back three's. Offensive rebounds and put-backs combined with mid-range jumpers gave the home team their greatest lead of the game at 43-25. However a pair of free-throws and a three-pointer by Erick Barkley brought Exalco Olympia within 12 at the half (48-36).
At the start of the second half Tyrone Grant and Barkley, fueling on the momentum from the end of the second quarter, came out and each dropped two points to cut their deficit to eight. Unfortunately for the visitors this would be as close as they would come. At this point Luc-Arthur Vebobe sunk a three-pointer which kicked off a nine-point run.
After a scoreless two minutes of play, Harrison drilled two three-pointers in a row. Paris Basket continued their strong play inside and scored a pair of lay-ups to close out the third quarter with a 72-51 lead.
At the start of the fourth quarter Grant tallied a three-pointer and a pair of free-throws to keep visiting Exalco Olympia in the game. In the end though, Paris Basket's offensive power was too overwhelming and they went on to capture the victory 91-68.
Top scorers for the home team were Harrison (23 pts, 8 rebs) and Mamoutou Diarra (19 pts). The visiting team was led by Grant's 23 points. |