Azovmash are two wins shy of EuroCup glory after playing “perfect” basketball in their quarter-final clinching, 97-69 triumph over DTL EKA AEL.

The Ukrainian team led from start to finish, and never looked under threat against a Lemesos team that had won the last encounter in Cyprus to force a game three decider. 

Rimas Girskis, the Azovmash coach, said: "Tonight we showed perfect basketball. Last week, there was an unsuccessful game in Cyprus, but we made correct conclusions and now you see the result.” 

“I thanked my team for the excellent first quarter,” he said. 

Azovmash led 31-7 by the end of the first quarter. 

“I didn’t even work,” he said. “I enjoyed the basketball.” 

Much of the hard work is done, but Girskis wants more. 

“We achieved the task that was set at the beginning of the season,” he said. “We are in Final Four and we will see if we can do more. The fight is not over, yet.” 

One reason the victory was secured so quickly was the play of Azovmash star Khalid El-Amin. 

		Khalid El-Amin

"Tonight we did everything possible to win and reach the Final Four,” El-Amin said. “I’m very happy that we achieved it.  

“We can be proud of this and we hope to be decent fighters in the semi-final and final games." 

Opposing coach Igors Miglinieks of DTL EKA AEL admitted his team had been second best. 

"I congratulate my colleague with the win,” he said. “They are worthy of the Final Four.” 

He then conceded Azovmash had been favourites. 

“The only thing I can add is that none of us has ever lost games at home," he said. 

As for Michael King, who led Lemesos with 13 points, he was not the dominant force he has been on so many contests this season. 

"Azovmash is a very strong team,” he said. “Tonight, like last week, we couldn’t do anything against their zone defense. 

“You can see the result of the first quarter. After such a start, it was difficult to reach our opponents.”