Steaua Turabo — BC Kyiv 77-59
Romanian Steaua ensured a confident start to their EuroChallenge campaign. They shot down BC Kyiv in the first leg of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. Jerome Coleman (185-G-81, college: Rutgers) scored 17 points to lead the hosts. Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) opened the game with four points in a row. The hosts gradually mounted the pressure and rolled to a 21:14 lead after ten minutes. BC Kyiv tried to stay in visibility early in the second frame but Steuau quickly gained necessary margin. The home team used a 9:0 run to open a 14-point advantage midway through the second stanza. Jerome Coleman capped the half with a three-pointer as Steuau ensured a 42:27 lead. Steuau wisely kept their opponents at bay throughout the third frame. Moreover the hosts crowned the period with a 10:0 run to gain a 23-point advantage 60:37. The hosts increased the gap to 26 points early in the fourth quarter and never looked back en route to the win. Joshua Jackson (188-G-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Warner Pacific) nailed 15 points for Steuau. Virgil Stanescu added 14 points in the victory. Vitaly Kovalenko (201-F-84) replied with 14 points for BC Kyiv. Dmitri Briantsev (203-F/C-73) accounted for 13 points in defeat.

ZZ Leiden — Karsiyaka 65-87
Pinar Karisiyaka stepped closer to the EuroChallenge regular season. The Turkish team fired past Leiden in Netherlands to ensure a hopeful future in the tournament. Jovo Stanojevic (208-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) tallied 19 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds to lead Pinar Karsiyaka to the victory. Osiris Eldridge (191-G-88, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois St.) opened the scoring with a three-pointer to set the tone. Pinar Karsiyaka soon gained a 10:2 lead. Osiris Eldridge gave the visitors a double-digit lead midway through the first quarter 16:6. Leiden finally showed some signs of life as they cut the distance to only two points 18:19 at the first break. Jovo Stanojevic and Osiris Eldridge helped Pinar Karsiyaka roll confidently in the second period. The visitors piled up a 40:32 lead at halftime. Pinar Karsiyaka boosted the margin to 15 points midway through the third term 52:36. They did not slow down and arrived at the final intermission up by 18 points 67:49. Leiden could not pick up the slack in the final term. The hosts accounted for 16 points and suffered a painful defeat at the end. Osiris Eldridge notched 19 points for Pinar Karsiyaka. Omar Sneed accounted for 15 points in the win. Seamus Boxley (201-F-82, college: Portland St.) replied with 13 points for Leiden. Ryan Anderson (193-G-87, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Nebraska) and Thomas Jackson (175-G-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Butler) netted 12 points each in the loss.

Khimik — Ploiesti 90-83
Khimik opened their EuroChallenge campaign with a tough home win. They held off Ploiesti in the first-leg encounter of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. Stanislav Zavadsky (213-C-87) scored 22 points to lead the hosts to the victory. The lead changed hands for numerous times throughout the opening quarter. Bajic and Tudor gave Ploiesti a 28:24 lead at the first break. Bajic and Tudor gave the visitors a 6-point lead early in the second term. Khimik used an 8:2 run to pull ahead 35:34 midway through the second quarter. The hosts stayed in charge and recorded a 47:42 lead at halftime. Popov and Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) ensured an 8-point lead for Khimik late in the third stanza. Curtis Millage soon opened a double-digit advantage but Ploiesti capped the period with five points in a row to narrow the gap 63:68. Bajic and Tudor kept Ploiesti close early in the fourth stanza. Jason Westrol (191-G-88, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Bentley) and Qarraan Calhoun cut the distance to a single point 76:77 with just over four minutes remaining. However Khimik responded with 6:1 rally to boost the margin. Zavadskiy knocked down four points late in the game and Khimik escaped with a tough 7-point victory at the end. Luka Drezga (196-G-87) notched 17 points for Khimik. Toni Bizaca (202-F-82) contributed 16 points for the winners. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) answered with 21 points for Ploiesti. Jason Westrol accounted for 17 points in defeat.

Bosna S. — Nancy 74-91
Nancy won their opener of the Eurochallenge Qualifying Round on Wednesday in Bosnia. The French outfit overcame local Bosna 91:74 for the first win. The French side went on a lead immediately and Victor Samnick nailed three for 17:8. Tremmell Darden (194-G/F-81, college: Niagara) increased to 20:8, while his next three-pointer brought 25:15. Dino Hodzic (190-G-90) closed the opening quarter at 28:19 and then Brun gave the guests 31:19. Pasalic scored three to cut it to 33:22 and Nancy responded with 11-0 run to take 44:22 as Grant made a jump shot. Akinlolu Akingbala (208-F-83, college: Clemson) sent the teams to the lockers for 47:30 advantage as the guests did not even think of slowing down. They also scored the first four points and Ralph Mims brought 53:34. Tremmell Darden delivered two fro 57:37, whilst Ralph Mims nailed another three to close the third frame at 69:51. Again Ralph Mims and then Dino Hodzic exchanged the three-pointers, while Ralph Mims later scored three for 80:56. Zimic reduced to 82:59 and Jermaine Dixon (191-G-87, college: Pittsburgh) scored for 82:63. Victor Samnick later was the last to score in the game as Nancy won their opener of the Eurochallenge Qualifying Round. Tremmell Darden stepped up with 23 points for the winners and Ralph Mims netted 19. Akinlolu Akingbala followed them with 15 and Victor Samnick added 13. Dino Hodzic ended up with 16 points in the losing effort. Jermaine Dixon notched 13 and Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) was responsible for 9 points.

Szolnok — Keravnos 75-52
Keravnos seriously endangered their EuroChallenge ambitions. They suffered a tough blow in Hungary losing to Szolnok by 23 points in the first leg of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. Obie Trotter (186-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Alabama A&M) came up with 19 points to lead the Hungarian side. Szolnok opened the game on an 8:2 run but Keravnos quickly adjusted and leveled the game. The visitors trailed by only two points 15:17 heading into the second period. The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter before Clark and Obie Trotter scored four points to give Szolnok a 38:31 halftime advantage. Veljko Budimir and Obie Trotter opened the second half with back-to-back trebles as Szolnok gained a 44:31 lead. The hosts stayed in charge in the period. They scored nine straight points before the break and entered the fourth quarter up by 17 points 60:43. Marton Bader (212-C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) notched 7 points in the final frame for Szolnok and the home team rallied to a comfortable win at the end. Marton Bader finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Veljko Budimir added 17 points for Szolnok. Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) answered with 13 points and 7 rebounds for Keravnos. Courtney Fells had 12 points in the loss.

Benfica — Ferro-ZNTU 105-105
Benfica and Ferro-ZNTU did not decide on the winner in the first leg of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The teams clashed in Lisbon and finished the scorcher in a draw. Ferro-ZNTU stunned Benfica early in the encounter. The visitors posted a 22:10 lead midway through the opening period. But veteran Evora brought Benfica back to life. He accounted for some key points and the hosts drew things level at 24 after ten minutes. The lead changed for several times before Jordao and Antonio Tavares gave Benfica a 52:46 lead. The home side accumulated a 54:48 halftime advantage. Benfica stayed in front for the majority of the third period. But Rybalko hit a pair of three-pointers late in the quarter as the visitors put their noses in front 78:77. Hunter and Kandrusevich tipped off the final quarter with four straight points. Kevin Tiggs (196-G/F-84, college: E.Tenn.St.) gave the visiting team a 90:84 lead with just over five minutes to go. Hunter and Christian Burns (203-F-85, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Philadelphia) secured a double-digit advantage for Ferro-ZNTU with under three minutes left. Ben Reed answered with four free throws and Benfica went on a 6:0 run to get closer. Kevin Tiggs and Hunter gave some breathing space for the Ukrainians but Benfica had a narrow escape. Cordell Henry (178-G-80, agency: N.E.T., college: Marquette) and Jordao combined for 10 points in the dying moments and Benfica avoided the defeat. Heshimu Evans (198-F-75, college: Kentucky) produced 19 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for Benfica. Cordell Henry added 15 points, while Antonio Tavares finished with 14 for the hosts. Keddric Mays (183-G-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) replied with 21 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds for Ferro-ZNTU. Christian Burns and Kevin Tiggs had 19 points each.

N.Novgorod — Enisey 92-92
No winner has been decided in the Russian derby in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round first game. Nizhny Novgorod and Enisey drew level in the exciting clash. It was a seesaw action from start to finish. Nizhny Novgorod looked better in the opening quarter. Vukasin Aleksic and Ivan Paunic (194-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) gave the hosts a 21:12 lead late in the period. But Dragan Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) and Marcus Williams helped the Krasnoyarsk team narrow the deficit at just three points 20:23. Lonny Baxter (203-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) opened the second period with four points in a row to put Enisey in charge. But the hosts quickly regained control. The teams exchanged the baskets before Ivanov capped the half with a three-pointer giving Nizhny Novgorod a 42:39 lead. Things hardly changed in the third quarter as the teams stayed very close. Nizhny Novgorod were able to enter the fourth quarter up by just one point 67:66. Vukasin Aleksic boosted the margin to 6 points midway through the final period. Ivan Paunic gave Nizhny Novgorod an 82:74 advantage with under four minutes to go. But Enisey managed to avoid the defeat. Marcus Williams and Lonny Baxter teamed up for 7 quick points as the visitors pulled in front 88:87. Ivanov and Vukasin Aleksic posted a 92:90 lead for the hosts but Marcus Williams crowned the game with two free throws and drew things level at 92. Valentin Yurchik (207-F-87) nailed 22 points to pace Nizhny Novgorod. Ivan Paunic added 20 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Lonny Baxter answered with 24 points and 11 rebounds for Enisey. Dragan Dragan Labovic netted 18 points for the visitors.

Helios — BK Prostejov 62-70
Helios narrowly lost their home opener of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Slovenian team lost to Prostejov in Domzale. Andrius Slezas (200-F-75) stepped up with 20 points to ensure a comfortable result for the Czech powerhouse. Prostejov marked their ambitions early in the encounter. The Czech team surged ahead right from the start and maintained the lead throughout the first quarter. Veikalas capped the opening frame with a three-pointer and Prostejov ensured a 26:18 lead. Nicholson converted a lay-up as Prostejov opened a double-digit lead early in the second term. Zagorc cut the distance back to 5 points late in the half but Eugene Lawrence (184-G-86, college: St.John's) had the last word in the second quarter giving Prostejov a 39:32 lead. The visitors stunned Helios with a 15:0 start to the third term. Prostejov gained the momentum and drove to a 59:43 lead at the final break. Pasalic and Drazen Bubnic (207-F-86) tried to spark hope for the home team as they cut the deficit at 8-point mark. But Lanry and Eugene Lawrence calmed things down with a pair of buckets and Prostejov cruised to the victory at the end. Kyle Landry (206-F-86, college: N.Arizona) tallied 15 points and 18 rebounds for Prostejov. Eugene Lawrence accounted for 11 points in the victory. Drazen Bubnic replied with 15 points for Helios. Grega Mali netted 10 points in the loss.

Etha — Art.Dragons 69-61
Etha secured the opening win against Artland Dragons in the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The Cyprus team earned an 8-point buffer before the second leg game in Germany. Ken Tutt (185-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: ORU) stepped up with 22 points to lead the hosts. The Germans quickly adjusted in Nicosia. They opened the game with an 8:3 run before Etha started to find the rhythm. Reggie Redding (196-G-88, college: Villanova) fired five points in a row to ignite a 12:4 run that gave Etha a 22:18 lead at the first intermission. Artland Dragons denied the deficit early in the second period. Ken Tutt nailed eight points in a row and the hosts accumulated a 34:26 lead. Etha marched to a 42:35 advantage at the interval. The visitors would not go away though. The Dragons stayed close throughout the third term. Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: Limelight Hoops, college: Canisius) nailed 6 points in the quarter as the German side trailed by just two points 54:56 with ten minutes to go. But it was Ken Tutt who made the difference. He notched eight points as Etha cleared off to a 9-point distance 69:60. Artland Dragons could not recover and suffered the defeat. Reggie Redding nailed 14 points for Etha. Valdas Dabkus and Anthony King provided 11 points apiece for the winners. Darren Fenn answered with 17 points and 7 rebounds for Artland Dragons. Tyrese Rice (185-G-87, agency: Priority Sports, college: Boston Coll.) and Ruben Boumtje (212-C-78, college: Georgetown) delivered 8 points each in the loss.

Lugano Tigers — Triumph 85-91
Triumph opened their EuroChallenge campaign with victory. They held off the Swiss champions Lugano on the road in the first leg of the tournaments Qualifying Round. Ilya Syrovatko (193-G-88) came up with 22 points to lead the Russian side. The teams traded baskets before a 6:0 run gave Triumph a 25:18 lead. Ilya Syrovatko capped the period with a jump shot and the Russian side earned a 27:19 lead. Valeri Likhodey and Ilya Syrovatko tipped off the second quarter with back-to-back trebles as Triumph enlarged their advantage. But the Tigers were not done just yet. The hosts went on a 15:2 rally to narrow the deficit. Andrei Trushkin (207-C/F-81) and Ilya Syrovatko allowed Triumph to take a 48:41 lead at halftime. Andrei Trushkin scored 10 points in the third term to keep Triumph in charge. The visitors secured a narrow 71:68 lead with ten minutes remaining. Valiev and Anderson provided Triumph with a comfortable 83:72 lead. Levter hit from beyond the arc and the Russians grabbed an 86:72 advantage. Lugano went on a desperate rally in the final minutes and cut the distance. However Triumph stayed concentrated and escaped with a needed win at the end. Andrei Trushkin accounted for 21 points, while Valeri Likhodey added 20 points and 11 boards in the win. Michael Efevberha (196-G-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) answered with game-high 25 points for Lugano. Mohammed Abukar (208-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: San Diego St.) nailed 15 points in defeat.

Minsk-2006 — Antwerp 87-87
Minsk-2006 and Antwerp finished EuroChallenge Qualifying Round first-leg game in a draw. Bryan Hopkins (183-G-83, college: SMU) fired 31 points to ensure a nice start on the road for the Giants in a two-game series. The hosts surged ahead early in the encounter. Kudrautsau and Kojenents gave the Belarusian side a 13:7 lead. But an 8:0 run from the Giants put them on top 15:13. The Belgian team maintained the lead as they exploded with 35 points in the opening quarter. Bryan Hopkins notched 17 of those and the visitors enjoyed a 35:28 lead at the first break. Minsk-2006 started the second period on a 9:2 run to level things up. The teams stayed close throughout the period. Aliaksei Trastsinetski capped the first half with a three-pointer as the hosts grabbed a 53:52 lead. Antwerp tipped off the third quarter with four points in a row to pull back in front. The Giants did not surrender the lead and entered the fourth quarter up by 9 points 73:64. Minsk-2006 began the fourth frame with 7 points in a row to narrow the deficit. Roel Moors and Bryan Hopkins however replied pretty quickly and the Giants opened a double-digit advantage. Antwerp were up by 8 points with under three minutes to go in regulation. But four points from Aleh Kojenets (208-C-77, college: NC-Wilmington) sparked a 10:2 rally as the home side secured the draw at the end. Tywain McKee (188-G-86, college: Coppin St.) notched 20 points for Minsk-2006. Aleh Kojenets added 15 points, while Aliaksei Trastsinetski had 11. Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) replied with 17 points for the Giants.

Norrkoping — Aalstar 85-84
Norrkoping celebrated a tough come-from-behind win over Okapi Aalstar in the first leg encounter of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. George Gervin (189-G-76, college: Houston) knocked down 22 points, grabbed 5 boards and dished out 4 assists to lead the Dolphins to the win. The teams will meet again on October 5th in Belgium. The visitors used a 10:0 run midway through the opening quarter to take a 24:13 lead. They maintained the charge and enjoyed a 33:21 lead at the first intermission. Tyren Johnson and Steinbach teamed up for back-to-back three-pointers to ensure a quick start to the second period for the Belgian team. The margin soon grew at 22-point mark. Norrkoping managed to cut the deficit but still trailed by 12 points at halftime 40:52. George Gervin knocked down 8 points in the third quarter as the Dolphins got as close as 10 points with ten minutes to go. The hosts started the final period with five points in a row. Sikinis poured in quick eight points as the Dolphins narrow the deficit at just one point 71:72. Finally George Gervin drew things level 77:77 with just over two minutes remaining. The lead changed hands for several times in the dying minutes before Drains hit a jumper and sealed a narrow victory for the home team. Joakim Kjellbom notched 16 points for the Dolphins. Oladapo Ayuba (198-F-86, college: UMKC) added 14 points and 11 rebounds in the winning effort. Christopher Copeland (203-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Colorado) answered with 22 points and 9 rebounds for Okapi Aalstar. Tyren Johnson and Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Michigan) accounted for 15 points apiece in the loss.

M.Hainaut — Trefl Sopot 74-71
Dexia Mons-Hainaut edged Trefl Sopot in the first leg of the Eurochallenge Qualifying Round at home. The Belgium side pulled out a close win and will try to make their slim advantage pay off on October 5 in the second and deciding game in Poland. Gustas and Taylor exchanged the basket at the very beginning and van Paassen scored four in a row for 10:9. Dexia Mons-Hainaut at that time crated an 8-0 run, while Marcus Hatten (186-G-80, college: St.John's) brought 17:9. Hlebowicki closed the first period at 23:12 and then Kinnard nailed three for 23:15 in the start of the second. Bellin scored for 31:19, but the Polish side bounced back with 13-0 run to take 32:31 advantage. Gustas kept the guests in front at 37:36 at the halftime. Trefl Sopot also won the third period and looked forward to keep the advantage. After 21-19 in it Gustas made it 58:55 after thirty minutes. Taylor however tied it all at 68:68, while Marcus Hatten brought the minimum win for the hosts. Ron Lewis (193-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Ohio St.) and Marcus Hatten stepped up with 18 points as the latter also added 11 rebounds. Taylor followed them with 12 points and Van Paassen added 8. Gustas responded with 17 points in the losing effort, Adam Waczynski (199-F-89, agency: Limelight Hoops) notched 13, while Dylewicz had 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Paris-Levallois — Macc.Haifa 75-63
Paris Levallois outscored Maccabi Haifa in the opener in the first leg encounter of the EuroChallenge Qualifying Round. The French outfit rolled over the representative from Israel 75:63. Ball gave the first points for the hosts and he closed the first run at 9-0. Killingsworth managed to wake up with his side to reduce to 11:6 and Noel later closed the period at 17:8. Low started the second period with a jump shot, while and Marcellus Sommerville (200-F-82, agency: Lanshire Group, college: Bradley) brought 27:16. Wyatte sent the teams to the lockers for 37:22 as the hosts won the period 20-14. Marcellus Sommerville nailed another three-pointer to start the third frame and Hamilton made a jump shot for 47:26. Ben Chimol reduced to 54:34 and he made the last shot in the third quarter at 56:38. Killingsworth and again Ben Chimol cut it to 61:46, while Noel and Ben Chimol exchanged for 68:49. Hamilton drove a lay-up for 73:55 and Ball scored the last points for the winners. Killingsworth responded for the guests at the very end for the final result in Game 1. Lamont Hamilton (208-F-84, college: St.John's) erupted with 22 points for the hosts, while Marcellus Sommerville collected 16 points and 12 rebounds. Noel netted 11, while Aka added 10. Killingsworth answered with 13 points and the same number of rebounds in the losing effort. Ben Chimol poured in 11 and Robinson delivered 10.