| 12 January 2010
Antwerp Giants took care of business on Tuesday with a 90-82 victory at Tartu Rock in Estonia but they'll need some help to reach the Last 16 of the EuroChallenge. The victory improved the Belgian team's record to 3-3. If Artland Dragons (4-1) knock off WBC Raiffeisen Wels (3-2) in their Group G encounter, Antwerp will advance to the Last 16 ahead of WBC by virtue of a +4 goal differential in their two meetings with the Austrian team. Recent signing Thomas Gardner hit seven three-pointers and poured in 28 points to lead Antwerp in Estonia. The score was knotted at 28-28 early in the second quarter when the visitors went in front for good. Antwerp's Bryan Hopkins hit a three-ball and teammate Graham Brown made a lay-up before Hopkins struck again with a hook shot for a 35-28 advantage. The Belgian team's lead never dipped below five points the rest of the way although Tartu stuck to their guns and battled to the end. With 1:18 remaining in the game, a Tanel Tein lay-up for Tartu cut the Giants' lead to 86-80. The visitors called a timeout and after Gardner split a pair of free-throws to cap his magnificent scoring night, Brandon Gay drew a foul and sank two from the line as Antwerp went in front at 89-80 and eased home. Tartu ended their campaign in the EuroChallenge with one victory and five defeats. |