By Stefan Acevski/ info@eurohoops.net
Trieste achieved a huge victory in the fifth round of the Basketball Champions League group stage, beating Galatasaray away with a score of 80-79.
The dramatic match was decided in the final minute. Errick McCollum gave the hosts the lead (79-78) with a three-pointer 24 seconds before the end, but Trieste responded through Markel Brown, who scored with six seconds left to put the Italians back in front.
The Turks called a timeout, but lost possession after it, so the visitors secured a crucial win.
Brown finished with 13 points and seven assists, while Mady Sissoko outperformed him with 21 points and ten rebounds.
On the other side, Errick McCollum was outstanding with 26 points, but lacked support, as James Palmer Jr. was next with ten points.
This defeat does not mean much for Galatasaray, as they had already secured first place in the group and direct qualification to the next phase before this game. Their record is now 4-1, and they will conclude the group stage with an away game against Igokea.
Trieste now stands at 2-3, and their fate will likely be decided in the away game against Wurzburg, scheduled for December 17th.
Postgame press conference: