After a close victory in game one of their FIBA Europe League eighth-final play-off series, Dynamo St. Petersburg travelled to Nymburk on Friday for the second encounter.

Despite welcoming back starting center Jiri Zidek (who was absent from the first game with flu), Nymburk once again fell short against the Russian side, losing 86-90 in a tight contest.

		Ognjen Askrabic

Dynamo are still the only undefeated side in the FIBA Europe League and their strength and depth was on display for the entire game. In the first half, it was Dynamo's inside players that flexed their muscles, led by an aggressive Ognjen Askrabic.

While Dynamo were clearly the stronger team, Nymburk refused to lie down and they matched the visitors' inside strength with their outside shooting.

At halftime the score was 43-47 and Nymburk were very much in contention.

A Ladislav Sokolovsky three-pointer at the start of the third quarter gave Nymburk the start they needed. But just as it looked as though a victory could be possible, the wheels fell off for the home side.

Nymburk went through a three-minute scoring drought, which was just the opening that Dynamo needed. The visitors built up a 10-point lead and Nymburk suddenly had their work cut out.

With their season on the line, Nymburk battled all the way to the final buzzer. Two three-pointers from Maurice Whitfield gave Nymburk some hope, but Dynamo made their free throws down the stretch to hold on for victory.

Askrabic top scored for Dynamo with 19 points, while Ed Cota and Kelly McCarty contributed 18 each.

Zidek finished with 22 points for Nymburk and Ashante Johnson had 21.

Dynamo will play the winner of the Azovmash - Tuborg match-up with game one due to be played on 15th March in St. Petersburg.

David Blatt, Head Coach Dynamo:

"First I must congratulate Nymburk for their very good team and the name they have made in Europe. We expected a tough match, Nymburk is a very strong team. We played tactically very well and we are happy with the win."

Kelly McCarty, Dynamo:

"As the coach said, we played very good tactically in offense and we were able to make more easy baskets. We are looking forward to the next round of the FIBA Europe League and we are happy for that."

Michal Jezdik, Head Coach CEZ Basketball Nymburk:

Congratulations to Dynamo. It was a very hard match with a bad ending for us. We didn’t play well today, especially our defense wasn’t good. It’s a pity. This match was a very good experience for us."

Jiri Zidek, CEZ Basketball Nymburk:

"We lost this game and we are very sad. The match was very tough and we missed some luck."