Nike IJT Belgrade Game Report: Khimki 60-74 Montepaschi Siena
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A superb performance from Georgian international Nika Metreveli lead Montepaschi Siena into the 5th Place game Sunday, whilst a valiant BC Khimki Moscow Region will be playing in the 7th Place game after losing 60-74. Metreveli finished with an impressive stat line of 28 points on 12 for 17 2FG shooting, 13 rebounds and 5 fouls drawn for 35 index points. For the Russians Andrey Kirdyachkin and Vladimir Pichkurov were the standard bearers, tallying 17 and 9 and 22 and 5 respectively. Coming into the tournament Nika Metreveli, the 212cm Georgian for Montepaschi was highly touted. He showed his class in the first quarter by shooting 4 for 5 and capturing 4 rebounds as he brought his team to a 16-19 lead. Montepaschi continued their run in the second quarter as Khimki struggled offensively. On three separate occasions the Russian turned the ball over due to a shot clock violation, and on another three were forced into a contested shot as time expired. Small forward Pichkurov paced his team at the
halftime break, scoring 10 points to go along with his 4 steals as the scoreboard read 29-42. The third quarter was the time for a reaction by Khimki. Back to back three pointers by Pichkourov and some excellent post play by athletic Kirdiyachkin had the Russians down only seven at the end of the third - 47-54. The fourth quarter was intense - with Khimki making small runs into the lead but Montepaschi having a reply every time. The inside outside tandem of Kirdiyachkin and Pichkourov continued to pace their team, whilst Ingrosso and Centanni were both hitting jump shots all over the court to backup a sublime Metreveli. Montepaschi move on to the 5th Place game Sunday at 1200 whilst Khimki will fight for 7th at 1000.
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Euroleague.net
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