Dexia Ride Strong First Half To Victory Over Proteas

Dexia Mons-Hainaut led by as many as 16 points in the first half and claimed an 82-71 victory over Proteas EKA AEL on Tuesday.

In the EuroChallenge Group D clash, the Belgian outfit trailed 8-7 midway through the opening quarter when it seized control with a 19-4 run.

Craig Callahan and Ben Ebong started the decisive surge by making a jump shot and lay-up, respectively.

Callahan had eight of his 15 points in the run which left the home side on top, 26-12, just over three minutes into the second frame.

Proteas reduced the deficit to 34-23 by half-time and got as close at 38-33 four minutes into the second half.

The Belgian team responded with a 10-0 run to take charge for good.

By the end of the third quarter, Dexia led 60-42 and their advantage never dipped below nine points the rest of the way.

Jerel Mc Neal poured in 19 points and Justin Cage 17 for Dexia while Proteas got 16 from Ilian Evtimov.

Quotes Dexia Mons-Hainaut vs. Proteas EKA AEL

Travis Conlan (Player of Dexia Mons Hainaut):
It was a tough game,because we were up during the whole game in the fight for the rebounds,but we made a lot a lot of mistakes in trying to play quickly.  That's the reason why our hosts seized the opportunity to draw nearer from time to time,and we were obliged to stay very concentrated for preventing a come back. It was important to win,because we didn't play a good game at home, and everybody was fully aware of the consequences of a defeat at home.  Despite the injuries since the beginning of the season,and also the other problems,we're on the good way to stay alive in the championship,the cup,and also the Eurochallenge." 

Arik Shivek (Coach of Dexia Mons Hainaut):
There are four good teams  in our pool,and it's sure that the team which will win away has a good chance to reach the next round.  That's the reason why I think we were not attentive in the two last minutes, because at a moment we were leading with eighteen points and finally we only preserved eleven.  In fact it was like a game of chess because each coach chose time outs to give rules of conduct to the players with a view to the average, but finally,when I see we lost twenty-five balls, I think we made a good result due to a good defence on Taylor or Davis who are very good players."

Ilian Evtimov (Player of Proteas):
"When we were told that two players of Dexia didn't play tonight, I knew that our task would be difficult,because it's sure that players who have less time to play usually will do their best to show their qualities.  We only pick two rebounds offensively, and in such conditions it's quite difficult to win a game especially when your host fights on all the balls. There was a big pressure on us when we received the ball, and we were unable to improve our game."