Tsmoki Minsk Lose at Start of FIBA Europe Cup Second Stage

BC Tsmoki Minsk opened their FIBA Europe Cup second stage on a sour note losing to Italy's Varese on 16 December.

In Group V opener Igor Grishchuk's men could not withstand the hosts' pressure to register a big lost 63-94 (17-27, 21-15, 10-23, 15-29). Ivan Marash led his team with 15 points, while Alexei Lashkevich scored 13 points. Elsewhere, Austria's Gussing Knights beat Petrolina AEK Larnaca 68-60 (15-15, 17-20, 11-12, 25-13).

The next matches are scheduled for 6 January 2016. The Minsk Dragons will host Gussing Knights, while Varese will travel to Petrolina AEK Larnaca. Two best teams from each of eight quarters will advance into the playoffs.