Ros Rule Early And Triumph At Jolly JBS

Ros Casares claimed an important win in Croatia on Wednesday with an 83-72 victory over Jolly JBS Sibenik.

The Spanish giants took command in the first half, going in front by as many as 19 points before taking a 37-20 lead to the break.

They cruised over the final 20 minutes to move into sole possession of second place at 3-2 in Group C behind undefeated UMMC Ekaterinburg.

Jolly JBS Sibenik dropped to 2-3.

"It was important to win on a court where Union Hainaut Basket and USK Prague had lost," Ros Casares coach Isma Canto said.

"The first half was good from a defensive standpoint, limiting our rivals to just 20 points.

"In the second half, we reduced the intensity.

"This triumph leaves us second in the group and that was important for us."

Canto's team took the lead for good in the opening quarter.

Trailing 6-4, Jan Vesela scored to spark a 13-2 run.

Erika De Souza, Delisha Milton-Jones and Amaya Valdemoro all had baskets in the spurt.

Ros Casares forced Jolly JBS Sibenik to commit seven of their 20 turnovers in that stretch of the game.

EuroBasket Women 2007 MVP Valdemoro finished with 24 points while Czech international Vesela was key with 11, many of those scored early. She also had a team-high three steals.

The impressive low post tandem of Milton-Jones and Erika also had strong games.

Milton-Jones had 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists while Erika scored 12 and pulled down eight boards.

Erika did finish with a game-high seven turnovers.

Ros Casares won comfortably, in fact, despite turning the ball over 29 times in the game.

Kerri Garden scored 20 points and had eight rebounds for Jolly JBS.

Quotes Jolly JBS Sibenik vs. Ros Casares

Isma Cantó, Ros Casares (Head Coach): 

"I am very satisfied with our defense, especially in the first part of the match when we disabled Jolly JBS' distance shots. In that sequence we were aware that we can't keep up with our own rhythm and Jolly JBS took advantage of it, but in the defining moments we regained that rhythm and we earned our victory."

Stipe Bralić, Jolly JBS Sibenik (Head Coach):

"We played against the team that is going to compete for the EuroLeague Women champions title, so I am satisfied with tonight's match."

"We failed in the first part of the match and when we found our way out, it was already too late. I have to say that it is a great satisfaction to play this strong opponent, especially since the substitutions in Ros Casares would be game carriers in other teams. I want to congratulate Ros Casares on their earned victory."