Armia Turn Back Brave Leiden

ZZ Leiden came up just short in their upset bid at Armia on Tuesday in the EuroChallenge.

In a Group B clash of 1-1 teams, Armia prevailed 74-71 after surviving a tense finish.

The Georgians led by as many as 10 points in the opening quarter but failed to press home the advantage.

Instead, the Kote Tugushi-coached team struggled against Dutch outfit ZZ Leiden and even trailed 58-54 with 10 minutes remaining.

Baskets from Joakim Kjellbom, William Thomas and Guillermo Diaz at the start of the fourth put the hosts in front, only for Thomas Jackson's jumper to knot the contest for Leiden at 60-60.

After both sides missed shots, Thomas dunked on a fast-break before Jeremy Richardson reeled off seven unanswered points.

The Louisiana native connected from behind the arc, and made two lay-ups for a 69-60 lead with 4:31 to go.

Seamus Boxley ended the run with a basket for Leiden, and following a turnover, Arvin Slagter nailed a three-ball for the visitors to reduce the arrears to 69-65.

That was as close as they would get.

After an Armia timeout with 3:31, the hosts made five of six free-throws to stay comfortably ahead.

Boxley's shot from the arc at the death for Leiden accounted for the game's last points.

While Gaines led Armia with 20 points, Richardson poured in 15 and also corralled seven rebounds.

Thomas and Kjellbom were also effective, with the former scoring 14 points and hauling in 13 boards and the latter adding nine points and nine boards.

Gabriel Kennedy finished with 13 points and Boxley had 11 with 10 rebounds.

Dutch point guard Sean Cunningham was three of six from the arc and finished with 11 points.

Quotes Armia vs. ZZ Leiden

Armia coach Kote Tugushi:
"The game turned out to be very exciting, our opponent was very strong. We played the game at home and our fans were a great stimulus for us. The final moments of the game were decisive; our leading players showed their best. We are moving forward, now getting ready for the the next match in Germany."

Armia player Anatoli Boisa:
"I think the match was very interesting and tense. I congratulate all the basketball fans. We faced many problems, both in defence and in offence , but managed to minimize our mistakes and succeeded to gain the final victory."

Leiden coach, Toon van Helfteren:
"I think Armia have a good team, I think we can be satisfied with the result, I never expected this game to be so close. We were tired today, we were lucky to stay in the game. I would like to say that Armia is a great team and play good basketball."

Leiden player, Seamus Boxley:
"The game was really hot, it was really incredible, it was a tough basketball game."