Lugano Stun Triumph In Russia

Triumph Lyubertsy were left reeling after Swiss side Lugano Basket upset the odds in Russia as they claimed a stunning 81-66 EuroChallenge Qualifying Round success thanks mainly to a spectacular double-double by Sean Finn.

Having suffered a six point loss in the first game at home, Lugano stunned their hosts and changed the whole outlook for the season ahead as Finn recorded 16 points and a monstrous 19 rebounds.

Triumph only have themselves to blame with some truly terrible perimeter shooting, one of the reasons for their failure alongside the terrific work of Finn.

There had been little to suggest the visitors would claim such a memorable win in the opening period - even if they did sneak in front at 18-16.

It was only in a five minute spell leading up to the break when they suddenly realised the game was there for the taking, even with a six point first leg deficit to make up.

A one shot game at 31-28 with five minutes left of the second quarter, Lugano really shifted through the gears.

They posted a 12-3 run to open up a healthy 42-31 lead and if it hadn't been for the home team scoring the last four points of the half it would have been even bleaker for the local crowd.

However after the interval, they were soon to be disgruntled with their misfiring team as Lugano maintained their composure.

Leading 53-46, they extended the margin out to sixteen points thanks to a triple by Derek Stockalper which handed them a 62-46 advantage.

On the ropes and struggling, Triumph never managed to truly haul themselves back into the game and in the end the Swiss ran out comfortable and worthy winners.

Mohamed Abukar top scored for Lugano with 22 points while Iliya Syrovatko and Andrey Trushkin combined for 40 points for the disappointed home team.

Quotes Triumph Lyubertsy vs. Lugano Basket

BC Triumph Head Coach Valdemaras Chomicius
I really have no words to say. We played a very slow game and made too many mistakes. Of course, every one of my players tried to do his best, but we failed to show real team game.

BC Triumph player Egor Vyaltsev
It's a horrible result. We played a good game on the road, but today we lost the rebounds. Our team is too young, and in some moments we made mistakes because of misunderstandings and lack of experience. I as the captain tried to help my team in every episode, but it wasn't enough.

BC Lugano Head Coach Joseph Whelton
We are very happy for my team and the club. We were very disappointed last week, but we seriously prepared for the away game, and our main goal was to play smart in offense, to work hard in rebounds and to play good defense.

BC Lugano player Mohamed Abukar
We came to Lyubertsy not as tourists, we had the goal to play a balanced game, we were very focused, and we did our game plan perfectly! Triumph is a very good team, but it's too young, and we played very aggressive game and got a successful result.