Late Run Propels Cedevita To Victory

Damjan Rudez poured in 20 points to help fire Cedevita Zagreb to an 85-71 win over Dexia Mons-Hainaut.

Tuesday's EuroChallenge Group D game was much closer than the final score suggests.

After trailing 60-53 early in the fourth quarter, Dexia battled back and twice knotted the game.

Brandon Costner split two free-throws to tie the contest at 65-65.

After Canada point guard Jermaine Anderson hit a three-pointer for Cedevita, Costner answered with a long-range shot for Dexia to make it 68-68 with 3:58 to play.

The momentum then swung the home side's way.

Anderson went in for a lay-up to give the Croatian club a two-point edge and Justin Cage only made one of two free-throws to trim the deficit to 70-69.

Barisa Krasic made two free-throws for Cedevita and Dexia point guard Nate Reinking was whistled for travelling.

Cedevita went on to score nine straight points to take command of the game.

Dexia might have won the game had they shot the ball better at the free-throw line.

The Belgian club was 16 of 30 from the stripe for a woeful 53.3%.

Both clubs are now 1-2.

Cedevita-Dexia Quotes

Craig Callahan, Dexia:

"I am very disappointed because of the defeat. Cedevita did a great job during the last two minutes and deserved this win. We are going through rough times in the domestic championship and in EuroChallenge, but I think that we are a much better team than we showed so far on the court."

Arik Shivek, Dexia Coach:

"Congratulation to Cedevita. They deserved to win this game. We began to play well in the middle of the third quarter, even though we entered the forth quarter with an eight points deficit. We even managed to return, but Cedevita was better in the end. I think that key difference tonight was making free throws. It is hard to win on road if you make only half your free throws."

Slobodan Subotić, Cedevita Coach:

"I am delighted with our first win in EuroChallenge. We deserved to win this game because we controlled the game during all periods, even though Dexia had a chance to win in fourth quarter. We played great defense, just like we did against Široki when we kept our heads and knew how to win the game. I am glad that Krasić played great, just like he used to play. He had six rebounds, which made me happy. On the other hand, Mobley felt pain in his legs and I left him out from the game since I did not want to risk worsening of his injury."

Damjan Rudež, Cedevita:

"This win means a lot to us because we are still in the game for getting to the second round. The key to winning this game was our great opening of the game. Even though they came back during the last quarter, we managed to get out with a win and that is the only thing that matters. I think that we look much better than at the beginning of the season. We are much more coordinated and I hope that we will continue in that rhythm in following rounds."