By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
No problem whatsoever for BAXI Manresa in front of a great atmosphere in Pavelló Nou Congost, as Pedro Martinez’s team beat VEF Riga 88-59.
Jerrick Harding, who is shining in his first appearances in Spain, scored 22 points just like Juan Vaulet, who added 7 rebounds. Elias Valtonen had 15 points, while Dani Perez dished 10 assists.
Maris Gulbis, who came off the bench for the Latvian team, was the only player who had 10+ points, as he closed with 14. Nysier Brooks went close to a double-double with 8 points and 11 rebounds.
BAXI Manresa has now won 12 of its 15 home games in the BCL, including each of the most recent five by margins of 15 points or more. Manresa has scored 85+ points in each of its last seven home games.
VEF Riga has only won three of their 18 away games in the BCL and has lost the most recent nine. However, this is only the second of their last 11 away games that ended with a double-digit margin.
With this victory, the Catalan side joins SL Benfica on top of Group F, while CSP Limoges and VEF Riga remained at the bottom with a 0-2 record. In Round 1, BAXI Manresa defeated the French team, while the Latvian side lost at home against newcomer SL Benfica, which got its second-ever BCL victory earlier in the day.
Post-game press conference:
PHOTO CREDIT: Basketball Champions League