AEK within touching distance of Bamberg for second leg
FIBA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - QUARTERFINALS (LEG 1)
| Brose Bamberg | 71 - 67 | AEK |
|---|---|---|
| (11 - 10) (28 - 30) (49 - 50) (71 - 67) |
In Germany, AEK dropped a 67-71 defeat to Bamberg in the first leg of the Basketball Champions League quarter-finals, but the reigning champions are certainly alive and kicking in the tie.
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After a strong second quarter, AEK were leading at half time, but Bamberg came storming back in the last two frames to snatch a 71-67 victory which gives the Germans a slender advantage ahead of next week’s second leg in Athens. Nevertheless, given the difference of only four points, AEK will be confident of overturning the deficit and qualifying for the Final Four for the second consecutive year.
Bamberg opened up a 11-10 lead in the first quarter, and as expected, it was a closely contested affair throughout the entire game. In the second quarter, the Kitrinomavri gradually began to take control of the match, with Vince Hunter slamming home a couple of impressive dunks as the Greeks outscored their opponents 20-17 to earn a 30-28 advantage at half time. Hunter, who has been a talisman for AEK this season, finished the match with 12 points to his name. Dusan Sakota (15), Jordan Theodore (14), Giannoulis Larentzakis (12) and Howard Sant-Roos (10) also reached double figures, while Cliff Alexander (19) was Bamberg’s top scorer.
A poor fourth quarter put paid to any Greek chances of travelling back to Athens with a lead. At one point, AEK were down nine as Bamberg increased the intensity, but to their credit, the Enosis kept it tight and reduced the gap to a mere four points with six seconds remaining on the clock.
Up by six, Bamberg had the chance to make it an eight-point game for the second match in Greece, but AEK’s Theodore stole possession and converted a lay-up as he left the German defence in his wake.
The second game will take place at the OAKA Indoor Hall on April 3.
