USK Blex KV 61 CUS Chieti 57

USK got their second Euroleague win after a dramatic victory over Chieti in the last seconds of the game.

The first half brought an equal battle. The home team was more successful in the first quarter and the Czech players scored few more points. However, Chieti improved their shooting in the second quarter and got a lead, mainly thanks to Daniela Di Matteo and Kelly da Silva Santos. The Italian team was leading 38:35 at the end of the first half.

The break between the two halves boosted the Czech players. Thanks to a better defense and more successful shooting, the Czech team soon tied and then slowly started collecting points for the final result.

The score at the beginning of the last quarter was 52:47. The Italians, however, managed a remarkable comeback and tied the game in the the 35th minute.

Despite the having the momentum against them, the Czech players were more successful in the last few minutes. Prague was continuously leading by a slight margin and the Italians didn’t manage to turn the score over despite their great effort.

It was Bronislava Borovickova who decided the match three seconds before the end when she hit two free throws.

MVP: Marketa Mokrosova (USK Blex Praha) with 13 points and 4 assists.

Quotes USK Blex Praha - CUS Chieti

Claudio Agresti, Head Coach, CUS CariChieti:

”I think in the first half both teams played better than in the second one. We managed to play mainly over Santos, who was defended way better by USK in the second half. I think this is the main reason for our defeat.”

Ivan Benes, Head Coach, USK Blex KV:

“It was a difficult match for all of us, because we knew we had to win. This was the reason for our nervousness which resulted in many mistakes. I don’t reproach the girls of anything, the pressure was enormous. I mainly appreciate our defense.”