Tsmoki Minsk book place in Eurochallenge last 16

The Belarusian basketball club Tsmoki Minsk won the penultimate match of the Eurochallenge regular season against Bulgaria’s Rilski Sportist Samokov on 10 December.

And they sealed a place in the last 16 round.

Tsmoki Minsk overpowered Rilski Sportist Samokov at home 94:75 (28:20, 23:20, 20:12, 23:23). Head coach Donaldas Kairys’ side took the initiative from the outset and dominated for the entire game. In the second quarter the hosts allowed their opponents to cut the deficit to the minimum but then stepped up their performance and celebrated a deserved victory. Keith Benson was the best performer in the Tsmoki Minsk squad (15 points) with Perry Petty scoring 13 points.

In the other 10 December game in Group H Romania’s BC Mures ousted Hungary’s Szolnoki Olaj KK away 76:68 (15:17, 27:17, 20:19, 14:15).

The Group H standings prior to the ultimate tour is as follows: Tsmoki Minsk 9 points, Szolnoki Olaj KK 8 points, BC Mures 8 points, and Rilski Sportist Samokov 6 points.

In the sixth tour the Minsk side will travel to Hungary where they will take on Szolnoki Olaj KK on 17 December. BC Mures will host Rilski Sportist Samokov. These matches will decide the team that will progress to the Eurochallenge last 16 round together with the champions of Belarus.