Bracey, Nesbitt Shoot Down BC Triumph

Dexia Mons-Hainaut prevailed 83-68 BC Triumph on Tuesday and will next week host EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam with a spot in the EuroChallenge Quarter-Finals at stake.

Bryan Bracey and Elton Nesbitt each drilled four three-pointers for the Belgian team, who improved to 3-2 with the victory while Triumph (4-1) suffered their first defeat in Group L.

Bracey led Dexia with 20 points and Nesbitt 18.

Dexia had an old score to settle against their Triumph after blowing a huge lead late in the first game played between the sides and losing.

Chris Finch's team was in trouble late in the second quarter on Tuesday, however, trailing 44-33 with Ognjen Askrabic's 16 points leading the way for the visitors.

Three minutes into the third quarter and Dexia were still behind, 49-41, but then turned the game around.

Bracey made two free throws and after Kelvin Torbert split a pair at the charity stripe, Bracey nailed three consecutive three-balls for a 53-49 Dexia advantage.

The home side stayed in front the rest of the way, going in front by 18 in the fourth quarter.

Torbert weighed in with 14 points.

Askrabic scored just two in the second half but led Triumph with 18.

Quotes Dexia vs. BC Triumph

Ognjen Askrabic, BC Triumph Player:

"Night and day in terms of style of play.  We began the game very concentrated, and during the second quarter we were better especially in rebounds and assists which allowed us to lead by 14.  At the beginning of the second half Dexia changed its defence and was more agressive.  For a few minutes I think we were unable to score and Dexia made a 12-0 run which propelled ahead and at this moment it was very difficult for us to stop our hosts. Next week,we can finish in first place by defeating Samara, and we must do it."  

Stanislav Eremine, BC Triumph Coach:

"First, I want to congratulate the coach of Dexia and the players because they were able to play smart in the second half.  Their defense was one of the keys of the game,and two players impressed me very much-Nesbitt and Bracey. Of course I gave some players the possibility of succeeding but in the storm of the second half it was difficult for them to express themselves and we met with difficulties against a team which was at the top of its game."

Bryan Bracey, Dexia Player:

"We played very hard defensively and in the third and foirth quarter that really fed our offense.  As far as I'm concerned it's a good thing to play because it will pay in the long run and I'm better in my mind after troubles due to an injury when I arrived in Mons and also it helps me to fir in to the team."  

Chris Finch, Dexia Coach:

"Thank you to the coach for his commendations, but I think we showed two faces during forty minutes.  At the beginning we were nowhere, that's to say we didn't play very fast and also we were constantly dominated inside by our big opponents.  We struggled in the first half so I asked my guys to pick up the pace and play better defense. Our agressive play allowed us to turn the tables and now we are master of the situation because if we win next week against Amsterdam we'll move on to the next phase."