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Belgian team surprised powerful Khimki

Banvit with Itoudis and a very high shooting percentage didn't have any difficulties against Nymburk.

The biggest surprise in the quarter final are definitely Belgium's Oostende. Even though they changed the team a bit before the season, Khimki was still playing the role of favorite, not only for reaching the semi final, but also for making it into Euroleague. However, the Belgian team caught them off guard and took a huge step towards it. 

Oostende managed to win because of their great offensive game. They scored nearly 50% of points in the game, and 11 out of the 24 three point attempts. They kept the balance in the first three quarters and took advantage of their opponents' nervousness in the end and scored 30 points in the last 10 minutes. Six players scored more than 12 points. Ryan Thompson proved the be the leader in the first match already, and he was the best shooter with 20 points.


As expected, Davis was making trouble in the key because Wright and Wilkinson couldn't play, but his 32 points (12/21) weren't enough for Khimki's win. Koponen had 16 points while Oostende stopped the rest of their offense. Popović was at 1 out of 9, Gelabe at 1 out of 10, Green 2 out 10.


That is how Oostende keeps on dreaming about the Euroleague. Their next opponent are Banvitspor, who don't sound as powerful, but who might be even better than Khimki at this moment. Besides, they beat them in the preparation period 74-62. Still, the Belgian team are facing the match as the underdog. Banvitspor chose the players especially for Euroleague this season, they have way too many foreign players for the Turkish championship, and their ambition is high. On the other hand, Oostende had their ups and down in preseason, and sometimes failed completely after a well played match. That might happen today as well.


The Turkish team had an easier task than the Belgian champion. Czech Nymurg arrived to Vilnuis without two very important players - Reynolds and Benda. Banvit controlled the match and result from the beginning till the end. 


The won the first period 26-24, the second one 26-16 and that ten point difference sort of decided in the end. 


Play maker Rowland, as we already mentioned before, is the greatest signing for the Turkish team. It was obvious yesterday that he will play differently that last year. He will play the position of play maker first and the shooter second. He used only 7 balls in the game, but had 13 assists in 32 minutes he played. Itoudis changed the other players as much as he could, knowing they still have tough matches ahead. They are now the first favorite for getting into Euroleague, after Khimki lost.


Banvit's shooter had a great night - 60% for two point attempts (25/42), and great 45% for three point attempts (9/25). Best shooters were Simmons with 16 points (6/8 in the game), and Mejia with 14 (5/9). Since scoring was very efficient, rebounds didn't play a big role in the match, but Banvit was better at it (29-28).


Only 10 lost balls say it all about the great match the Turkish team had.


The chance is there, and we will see how they'll react now. 

Oostende shocked everybody with the win against Khimki yesterday, but it is unlikely they are capable for a surprise today. They were very unpredictable in the pre-season, and today they are facing a team much tougher than Khimki. Just like yesterday, Oostande will look to play at very fast pace. Khimki had 75 shots on basket and 23 free throws against them and, despite the fact that their key player performed bellow their level, they still managed to break the stated margin. Banvit was great offensively, Nymburku scored 87 points and I expect a similar performance from him today. With Khimki out of the picture, Banvitsport has a great chance to compete in the Euroleague...