BC Kyiv 74 Aris BSA Thessaloniki 75

BC Kyiv ran this game under the leadership of the new Head Coach Victor Berezhnoy as the former coach, Vitaliy Lebedyntsev, resigned after four losses on the road in the FIBA Europe League competition. The start of the game went very well for the visitors, who lead 11-2 after four minutes. 

Holding on to the early rhythm, the first quarter finished 34-40 in the Greeks' favour. Nestoras Kommatos played a great game hitting from shots from outside, including 2 3-pointers, but in the second quarter he picked up his fourth foul already and had to sit down. In the 19th minute of the game Kyiv took the lead, but only by one point. But then, due to a weak defensive game by Aris the difference grew to 59-55 for for the home side.

Throughout the four quarters the game was absolutely without any clear advantage for either team and in the 25th minute the score was tied at 65-65.  
With two minutes left until the end of the game, Kyiv lead 72-68. Aris' Germaine Jackson, closed the gap, but Kyiv still hung on. However, hopes of a home victory were dashed by Toby Baley's enormous shot from downtown, to take the Greek visitors one point ahead and give them the game.

Quotes BC Kyiv - Aris BSA Thessaloniki

Victor Berethnoy, Head Coach, BC Kyiv:

"Aris today is not the same as in previous seasons, so to loose this game is not pleasant for us. But we did not have high advantage, we played a good game, but we were not lucky enough."

Charles Barton, Head Coach, Aris BSA Thessaloniki:

"We did not have a best player, everybody played a plain game. I did not think that it was just luck. We were more professional and won at the end of the game."