FIBA Champions Cup Final Four
SEMIFINAL: Hemofarm (Vrsac, SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO) - Aris (Thessaloniki, GREECE) 66-73 (17-18, 24-19, 11-19, 14-17)
Thessaloniki, GREECE, May 2 (fiba.com) - The Alexandrio Melathro arena exploded into life for the second game as home team Aris Thessaloniki took the floor against KK Hemofarm Vrsac. The question was whether Aris could take advantage of playing at home or if the pressure of performing in front of their own fans would effect their game.
As the first quarter developed, it looked as if the latter would be the case, as Hemofarm played excellent team basketball. Much was expected of young up-and-coming star center Darko Milicic and he had a strong first quarter, scoring several baskets inside. Hemofarm though put on a total team performance, hitting open shots and keeping the pressure on Aris who seemed nervous.
Hemofarm continued to play well into the second quarter and with 5 minutes to go to halftime, they had built a 12-point lead. Aris needed a spark and that was exactly what they got from point guard Giannis Gagaloudis who single-handedly brought them back into the game with 8 consecutive points. Firstly he made a 3-pointer, then on a fast break he hit a fall-away turnaround jump shot whilst being fouled. He completed the 3-point play and addeed 2 free throws to bring Aris right back into the game, 37-41 at halftime.
Aris came out after the break looking the more poised of the two teams. Milic picked up a third foul and Aris center Ryan Stack began to take advantage inside. Hemofarm guard Campbell shouldered the main offensive load for his team, but good defense from Aris held their opponents to just 11 points and the Greek team looked to be in control of the game.
At the start of the fourth quarter, the score stood 56-52 in Aris' favour. The game was still far from over, but Aris seemed to have the momentum. Hemofarm coach Zeljko Lukajic put Milicic back in the game, but with 5 minutes to go he had picked up his 5th foul and was forced to sit on the bench. Aris maintained a 5-point lead but guard Giannis Lappas scored consecutive baskets which effectively broke the game open and Hemofarm was unable to recover. The Greeks stayed poised in the final minutes and eventually won 73-66.
Ryan Stack had an outstanding game for Aris, finishing with 19 points, 14 rebounds and 4 blocks. Stack's performance was all the more important for the fact that top scorer Will Solomon had a miserable shooting night, scoring 9 points on 2/16 shooting.
Michael Campbell was Hemofarm's best player on the night, contributing 20 points and adding 14 rebounds.
Third place match: Ventspils (Ventspils, LATVIA) - Hemofarm (Vrsac, SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO) 91-90 (23-24, 21-16, 22-27, 13-12, 12-11)
Thessaloniki, GREECE, May 4 (fiba.com) - Although it was not the main contest of the evening, BC Ventpsils and KK Hemofarm put on a thrilling show in the game for 3rd place.
Regular time was not enough to separate the two teams and as the final buzzer sounded the score was tied at 79-79. The game was still close in overtime, but with just 2 seconds remaining, Ventspils guard Sandis Buskevics found himself on the free-throw line, the score tied at 90-90. Nerves got the better of him on the first attempt, which he missed. The second attempt also seemed destined to miss, but Hemofarm center Darko Milicic tapped the ball before it hit the rim and goaltending was called.
Ventspils were awarded one point and Hemofarm did not have enough time left to get off a shot. Overall, it was a great game of basketball and one of those where both teams deserved to win. It was Milicic's error though that gave the game to Ventspils and they can leave Thessaloniki with the satisfaction of winning their last game of the Champions Cup season.
Mike Chapman was the player of the game and the Ventspils guard contributed 26 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals to his team's victory. Michael Campbell was the top scorer for Hemofarm, with 18 points.
FINAL: Prokom Trefl (Sopot, POLAND) - Aris (Thessaloniki, GREECE) 83-84
Final Standings
- Aris
- Prokom
- Ventspils
- Hemofarm
