By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
David Holston was the difference-maker in a tremendous game leading JDA Dijon to the win, 75-72, versus Galatasaray Wednesday evening. The Lions backed by the passionate turnout at Sinan Erdem Arena enjoyed a 21-point turnaround from an early 12-point deficit but did not hold on and missed a couple of opportunities to force overtime at the buzzer.
Holston, 36, going through his seventh campaign at Dijon, home of the traditional mustard of France, posted an 18-point, 10-assist double-double pouring eight points in the final quarter, including a clutch three-pointer for a five-point lead with 27 seconds remaining in the Basketball Champions League Round of 16 Gameday 3 affair.
Chase Simon threw in 16 more points despite being among multiple players dealing with foul trouble through the visit to Istanbul. Khadeen Carrington chipped in 13 points and Abdoulaye Loum added 12 points. Both Gavin Ware and Joshiko Saibou stayed on the injury list. Dijon, sitting at 10-8 in France’s Betclic Elite LNB Pro A, prevailed for the third time in as many BCL visits in Turkey.
California alumnus David Kravish ended up packing a 15-point, 18-rebound double-double but to no avail. Okben Ulubay followed with 14 points to his name. Dropping the Group I opener led the visitors, coached by Nenad Markovic, up to 2-1.
Newcomer Maurice Ndour suited up but did not get playing time from head coach Ekrem Memnun. Kerry Blackshear Jr. and Goksenin Koksal were sidelined by the Turkish outlet, currently 12-8 in domestic BSL.
Postgame press conference:
Photo Credit: Basketball Champions League