By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Gran Canaria secured a victory in the third round match of Group L in the Round of 16 of the BCL, defeating Tenerife at home with a score of 72-70.
Kassius Robertson was the top scorer for the winning team with 16 points and was the only player in double figures for his team, where nine players scored five or more points. On the other side, Giorgi Shermadini was the best with 15 points, two more than Wesley Van Beck, while Thomas Scrubb scored 11 points.
Tenerife had a big lead after the first half, going into the break with a 15-point advantage (29-44). The visitors even extended their lead to 17 points in the third quarter, after which a major comeback by the home team ensued.
By the end of the third quarter, the host reduced the deficit to one point (54-55), and the run continued in the fourth quarter. Bruno Fitipaldo managed to add drama to the game with a three-pointer 38 seconds before the end (71-68), but Mike Tobey secured an offensive rebound in a crucial play, made one free throw after a foul, and sealed his team’s victory.
The two teams are currently tied at the top of Group L with a 2-1 record, but Gran Canaria is above Tenerife due to the head-to-head win. The team from the Canary Islands will visit Trieste in seven days, while the other Spanish club will play against Nymburk, also away.
Postgame press conference: