Liege Win Thriller

Liege Basket got their EuroCup Round II campaign off to a winning start with a double overtime victory over BC Siauliai on Tuesday night.

The Belgians triumphed 104-97, thanks largely to French guard Karim Souchu, who poured in 34 points and also made some big plays at key times.

Roger Huggins added 26 points and nine rebounds for Liege.

"Roger Huggins did a good job in the paint," said Liège coach Giovanni Bozzi. 

"Thanks to him, we get open shoots for the guard. We gave 38 assists, that’s my biggest satisfaction."

Siauliai head coach Rudy Aloyzas also saw the play of Huggins and Soucha as a key to the game.

"We never defended Roger Huggins and Karim Souchu. They played a terrific game offensively. I hope to find the solution against them for the return game," he said. 

The match was tight throughout, 44-all at half-time, 63-all at the end of the third period and 78-all after 40 minutes.

The first extra period could not separate the teams even though a Stephane Pelle jump shot put the hosts 84-80 up with 4:18 remaining.

Back came Siauliai, however, and Arturas Masiulis' jumper with 19 seconds to go took the game into a second period of overtime.

This time the hosts were not to be denied.

Souchu put them 95-91 up with a three-pointer and a dunk from the 27 year-old maintained their four-point lead at 99-95 with 29 seconds to go.

Francois Lhoest dunked to make it 101-95, a deficit from which there was no way back for the Lithuanians.

Arvydas Cepulis can count himself unfortunate to finish on the losing side after pouring in 22 points for the visitors.