MINSK, 3 November (BelTA) - Justin Gray's three-pointer with four seconds left helped BC Tsmoki Minsk edge Apoel Nicosia 71-70 on road in the FIBA Europe Cup Group J, BelTA has learned.
In Larnaca, Apoel and Minsk fought out a tense encounter, with the two teams taking turns in grabbing the lead from each other. The first quarter was won by the hosts 17-14, but Minskers went to the big break with a one-point lead 31-30.
With 21 seconds left before the final hooter the Cyprians were in front 70-68, but Justin Gray sank a three with four seconds left to bring the Dragons a 71-70. This American athlete led the team with 17 points on the night.
Elsewhere, BC Siauliai suffered their third defeat in a row to BK Pardubice 90-108.
The Belarusian champions won the opener against BC Siauliai 86-71 and then went too strong for BK Pardubice, defeating them 80-75.
The Group J standings are as follows: BC Tsmoki Minsk – 6 points, BK Pardubice – 5, Apoel Nicosia – 4, BC Siauliai – 2.
Igor Grishchuk's men will continue their FIBA Europe Cup campaign with a road game against the Lithuanian team on 9 November. Then they will host BK Pardubice on 16 November and Apoel Nicosia on 23 November. The two best teams from each of 10 groups as well as four best teams finishing third will advance to the second stage of the tournament.
