Telestet Maroussi Athens 86 ECM Nymburk 70

After three straight losses Maroussi Telestet got its second victory in the FIBA Europe League tonight, at home over Czech outfit Nymburk and kept their hopes of qualifying to the next round alive.

The absence of 206 cm forward Andre Hutson did not seem to effect Maroussi, as they dominated on the boards (34 rebounds to 22 for Nymburk). Strong rebounding gave the home side plenty of fast break opportunities and they were able to convert 11/13.

US guard Roderick Blakney was the key distributor for Maroussi and his 8 assists got his team flowing, and helped 5 players to score in double figures.

For all of Maroussi’s strong play, Nymburk had cut the led to 4-points at the end of the 3rd quarter, 56:52.

A 10-0 run from the Greeks quickly put an end to the challenge and Maroussi held on for a comfortable win.

Blakney had his best game so far in the FEL, netting 19 points (6/8) shooting to go with his 8 assists.

Ashante Johnson was Nymburk’s to points scorer with 14.   

Quotes Telestet Maroussi Athens - ECM Mymburk

Panagiotis Giannakis, Head Coach Maroussi:

"This time we were very careful and concentrated. Nymburk is a very dangerous team, but we dominated the rebounds and that was the key for our victory. I am very glad that I saw again my old opponent Jedzik."

Lazaros Agadakos, Maroussi:

"Because of Hutson’s absence all the others tried to play harder."

Michel Jedzik, Head Coach Nymburk:

"We knew that Maroussi is on top of the Greek League and also that the losses in the FEL didn’t show their level. So we tried to stop their fastbreaks, but unfortunately things didn’t go as expected. We also didn’t play good defense."

Radek Necas, Nymburk:

"Maroussi was the better team tonight. We made a lot of mistakes and we lost our chance when we cut the lead at 56-52."