Perfect game in the second half of the meeting and vivid performance of all the 12 players of BC Khimki allowed our team to score a brilliant home victory over PAOK BC Greece — 89-65 (22-18, 18-14, 29-13, 20-20). BC Khimki has qualified for the next Eurocup round. On Saturday, December 10 our club will face CSKA Moscow. The beginning of the meeting is at 17.00 msk.
Best scorers: Kelati (16), Fridzon (14), Loncar (13 + 11 rebounds + 3 assists), Monya (13 + 2 steals), Planinic (13 + 4 assists).
Rimas Kurtinaitis, BC Khimki head coach:
— I am happy because of the victory. We took the initiative from the beginning and then we increased power. I am glad that we didn’t lose the power after Mozgov’s departure. Our young players entered into the game well, were active. I hope later we will have possibilities to give them more playing time.
Anastasios Markopoulos, POAK BC head coach:
— We played against a very good team, the favorite of group. We knew that it would be difficult. We played well in the first half, and then we made some bad decisions. We had problems with injuries last weeks and some players had just recovered before this game. I congratulate Khimki and I think Moscow region team will reach the Eurocup Finals.
Thomas Kelati, BC Khimki guard:
— Defensively we played a great game, as for offense Khimki has a perfect offensive weapon, we could score a hundred points or more. Everyone played very well today, we face a long season, participating in three tournaments. We played all the twelve players and it’s great for us, everyone had a chance. From game to game we do a great job and it’s a very fun basketball. Khimki is capable of winning all three competitions.