EUROCHALLENGE

Artland Dragons rode a strong first-half performance to victory over Antwerp Giants in Group L of the EuroChallenge Last 16 to all but secure a playoff berth.

Nathan Peavy had 21 points and Anthony King 16 as Artland prevailed, 81-71.

The Dragons have now won all four of their games in the Last 16 while Antwerp are 1-3.

Artland made nine of their 15 shots from long range, including three in the second quarter when they outscored Antwerp 24-15 to take a 41-30 lead.

The lead ballooned to 45-30 after baskets from Peavy and King at the start of the second half.

Artland's biggest advantage was 16 points in the third quarter.

Antwerp fought back, however, with a Michael Roll jumper reducing the arrears to 62-54 at the end of the third quarter.

Roll's three-ball at the beginning of the fourth left the visitors trailing only 62-57.

But Bryan Bailey answered with a shot from the arc for the hosts.

Roll once again gave Antwerp a chance when he drained another three to make it 70-65 midway through the quarter.

Antwerp then got the ball back after an errant Bailey pass.

But Roll handed possession ball to the hosts with a bad pass and the visitors fouled King, who made two free-throws to put them on their way to victory.