UNICS Kazan lost 76-73 at Hapoel Jerusalem on Tuesday but won the EuroCup Qualifying Round 2 tie 161-142 on aggregate.

Hapoel led by as many as 10 points in the first quarter but were never able to seriously threaten UNICS.

Aco Petrovic, the UNICS coach, said: "We did a big part of the job in the first game when we won by 22 points. At this moment, we're in better shape.

"I'm happy we played a good game in this difficult court."

Hapoel were nevertheless happy that they had won the game.

Moran Rot, the Hapoel point guard, said: "It was important for us to win this game,

"It was a must win after we lost the last two games in a row - in Kazan and another in the Israeli league.

"We fought hard, played our best and in an aggressive way.

"UNICS is a great team with a huge budget that is very deep inside and outside. We reached a double-margin difference already, but they came back. This win will give us big motivation for the future."

Terrell Lyday had 17 points for UNICS, while Hapoel got 16 from Timothy Bowers.

Moran Rot, Hapoel PG:

"It was important for us to win this game. It was a must win after we lost the last two games in a row - in Kazan and another in the Israeli league. We fought hard, played our best and in an aggressive way. Unics is a great team, with a huge budget that is very deep inside and outside. We reached a double-margin difference already, but they came back. This win will give us big motivation for the future."

Hapoel Coach Guy Goodes:

"We didn't reach the goal we had to play in the EuroCup. Unics were the most difficult draw we could have gotten. They are a deep team and very strong in all positions. It was a difficult task. In Kazan we were down most of the game by smaller margins than the 22 points we eventually lost by, and this is where we missed the chance. Today we came with energy, and tried to make a difference. First of all we wanted to win. We didn't start the third quarter well, and maybe we were a little bit tired. Sharon Shason played injured for the team and the fans, and he deserves a lot of credit for that. We will do our best in the EuroChallenge. We'll need to see what teams play there and what kind of draw we'll get, to know what we can do in that competition, which is a very tough competition."

Terrell Lyday, Kazan Guard:

"We played a great game and I'm very happy we made it. Hapoel is a great team, with a great atmosphere here in this gym. I wish them luck in the future in the EuroChallenge."

Coach Unics, Aco Petrovic:

"We did a big part of the job in the first game when we won by 22 points. At this moment we're in a better shape.  I'm happy we played a good game in this difficult court."