By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
Nymburk, last year’s quarterfinalist in the FIBA Champions League, demonstrated at the start of the new season that they have big ambitions in this competition again this year.
The Czech champion, led by Oren Amiel from the bench, defeated Sabah from Azerbaijan with a score of 93-65 in the opening game of the group stage on their home court. In doing so, they extended their undefeated streak, having also won all three matches in the domestic league so far.
The team from Baku, which participated in the FIBA Europe Cup last season, started the duel well, and Rimas Kurtinaitis’ team even had a lead at the end of the second quarter. However, the hosts made a 13-0 run at that moment and went into halftime with an 11-point lead (45-34).
Any hopes of a comeback from the guests were extinguished by Nymburk’s run in the middle of the third quarter, after which the home team built a significant lead (63-42), which they maintained comfortably until the end, showing the newcomers what to expect in the Champions League.
Sir’ Jabari Rice delivered an excellent performance for the winning team, finishing the game with 22 points (6/9 for two, 2/7 for three, 4/4 free throws), four rebounds, and four assists. Jaromir Bohacik and Wesley Dreamer added 12 points each, while Jaquan Lawrence contributed 11 points.
On the other side, the scoring list for the guests was led by Hassani Gravett with 14 points, while Keith Jordan Jr. and Jean Mark Pansa scored 13 points each.
In Group B, along with Nymburk and Sabah, are Alba Berlin and Chalon, who will play their opening round match in the German capital on Wednesday (20:00).