Badioli’s Oostende Top Samara

Base Oostende lost coach Sharon Drucker following his decision to leave and assist Maccabi Tel Aviv boss Pini Gershon, but his departure didn't stop the Belgians from blowing out CSK-VVS Samara in the EuroChallenge on Tuesday.

Oostende stormed to a 98-75 victory to even their record 1-1 in Group G while dropping Samara to 0-2.

Umberto Badioli, who took the Oostende reins after Drucker's departure and coached in what the club's board described as "very difficult circumstances" could hardly have been more pleased with the victory.

"We did a good job from the beginning," he said.

"We played good defense, even if they did make some three-point shots.

"I told my players if they continued to play aggressively, we would get results from it.

"Playing aggressive defense allowed us to get steals and make some runs."

The Oostende defense forced CSK-VVS to turn the ball over 18 times, while they had just six turnovers themselves.

The home fans were bracing for what looked to be a nail-biting final quarter with their team leading only 68-65, but Oostende instead blew the game wide open, outscoring Valeriy Tikhonenko's team 30-10 over the last 10 minutes.

When it was over, Devin Green had 23 points and Rashid Atkins 21 for Oostende, who suffered a one-point defeat in their opener at Virtus Bologna last week.

Atkins scored the first eight points, including hitting a couple of shots from behind the arc, to begin the final period.

"The fourth quarter we lost control," Tikhonenko said.

"Oostende made us make nine turnovers and that allowed them to open the game up.

"We knew that Atkins could be dangerous and unfortunately he had a great fourth quarter."

Judging from Badioli's remarks, one of Oostende's most valuable players was Lionel Bosco.

The 1.75m Belgian point guard finished with a game-high five steals.

Quotes: Base Oostende vs. CSK-VVS

Umberto Badioli, Base Oostende Head Coach :

"We did a good job from the beginning. We played good defence, even if they did make some three-point shots. I told my players if they continued to play aggressive, we would get results from it. Playing aggressive defence allowed us to get steals and make some runs. I also played with a strange five on the court but that gave us more energy and put more rhythm in the game."

Rashid Atkins, Base Oostende Player:

"We moved the ball good and got a lot of open shots. We tried to play better defence and at half time coach asked us to put more pressure on them. This forced them into turnovers and resulted in easy baskets for us."

Valeriy Tikhonenko, Samara Coach:

"I think we tried to prepare well for the game against Oostende and for three quarters we played well, staying in the game. The fourth quarter we lost control. Oostende made us make nine turnovers and that allowed them to open the game. We knew that Atkins could be dangerous and unfortunately he had a great fourth quarter."