Kozachka Struggle To Beat Neuchatel

Kozachka-Zalk began their EuroCup Women campaign with a hard-fought 85-81 win against BC Neuchatel.

The home team started well but it was the visitors who were up by three after the first period.
Kozachka seized control in the second period and led from them on.

Midway through the last period, the team from Zaporozhye held a 10 point advantage (81-71) but a series of defensive blunders let the Swiss outfit back in within a single point (82-81). But a foul by Cameo Hicks ended all hope for the visitors as the home team gained possession and sealed victory.

Kozachka coach Yuriy Veligura was not impressed with his team's performance.

"I'm satisfied with the result. However we showed quite a weak defense tonight and we have a lot to improve with regard to that," he said.

Nataliya Sil'yanova top scored for Kozachka with 22 points including four succesful efforts from behind the arc. Ironically Hicks was the visitors top performer scoring 26 points and grabbing 10 boards. Bovykina also scored 26 and took nine rebounds.