In a fantastic ending Rivers's shot became a crucial for the overall victory of BC Khimki over Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul — 71-70 (17-18, 22-11, 17-22, 15-19). On Monday, November 19, our team will face BC Kalev/Cramo within the bounds of VTB United League. The beginning is at 19.30 msk.
Best scorers: Rivers (14), Fridzon (12), Planinic (11)
Simone Pianigiani, Fenerbahce Ulker head coach:
— It’s a difficult time for us. We built our team around Bo McCalebb and without him Fenerbahce doesn’t have its identity. It’s not easy because we have a new team and today we had to change our point guards. But the players showed the right mood. We fought until the last second, but unfortunately we lost. It’s important from the point of view of the overall standings in our group. I don’t know what would be if McCalebb had been today on the court. We will try to get him back as soon as possible. One shot decided the game; we had to defend in the very end, but made some mistakes.
Kaya Peker, Fenerbahce Ulker center:
— We played a bad first half, were down by 10 points and in the second half our team played better. We caught up, but it was not enough to win. We changed some things during the big break, became more aggressive and fast in the offense. Baris Ermis played very well, we made a comeback and had a chance. We are waiting for Bo McCalebb to recover, because he will help us a lot.
Andrija Gavrilovic, BC Khimki assistant coach:
— Every time we say that our group is very tough; in many games the result is decided in the last seconds. Maybe today Fenerbahce Ulker was not in the best condition, but due to its experience they played hard. I would like to congratulate our guys on the victory in such an intensive game. It means that we made more of an effort than our opponent. For sure, there were some mistakes and not high effectiveness. But the main point is that we won because of our desire.
Matt Nielsen, BC Khimki forward:
— I feel great after this win because it was very important to take the victory at this moment. For sure we could play better, but we did what we did. To win in the Euroleague against such a strong team like Fenerbahce Ulker is great. I feel good right now, I’m in a good rhythm and trying to help the team as much as I can. I suppose we played pretty well, have confidence and will prepare for the crucial game on the road with Real Madrid next Friday. Fenerbahce has a lot of good players apart from McCalebb, he is a big focus for that team. I must point out David Andersen, who gave them a lot of rhythm and energy.