Eurocup Qualifying Round

Nathan Peavy and the Artland Dragons are looking at a five-point deficit before travelling to Gran Canaria next week

Gran Canaria edged closer to a return to the Eurocup with a victory at Artland Dragons in the first leg of their Qualifying Round tie.

Georgia international Marquez Haynes had 14 points to lead the Canary Islanders to a 61-56 triumph in Quakenbrück, Germany.

The Spanish side appeared to be headed for a more decisive victory after taking a 12-point lead with 4:37 to play following a lay-up by Haynes on a fast break.

Artland responded with a 6-0 run, though, sparked by Anthony King's dunk and capped by Bryan Bailey's lay-up.

A David Holston three-pointer with 15 seconds to go pulled Dragons even closer at 59-56 and Pedro Martinez, the Gran Canaria coach, decided to call a time-out.

It paid dividends because Gran Canaria center Xavier Rey ended up getting a slam dunk for the last points of the game.

The winners will know that Artland have every chance of hitting back from a five-point deficit when the second leg is played next week in Las Palmas.

Anthony Hilliard had 17 points to lead the German club while Spencer Nelson added 10 for the visitors.

Gran Canaria out-rebounded Artland 41-32.