OR Carditsa defended its home against the fighting Ostend and with a 2-2 record secured the third place of its 7th group Basketball Champions Leaguewhich gives the ticket for the Play In event. The Greek team prevailed with 82-78 over the Belgians, for the 4th game, forcing the visitors to their fourth defeat in equal matches.
Nikos Papanikolopoulos’ Karditsa showed metal and determination, leaving behind their bad first half and turning the game into a festive night, through their good defense.
Despite the fact that she entered the court without rhythm and concentration, Karditsa quickly found her footing. Spearheaded by Brandon Jefferson and Lefteris Diplaros, but also with a dynamic presence near the basket, the hosts fully imposed their pace in the second twenty minutes and did not allow Ostend to hope for anything more.
George Deda’s Belgian side, chasing their first win of the tournament, tried to stay competitive for three quarters but never found the breakthrough to suffer their fourth defeat and effectively bid farewell to the BCL.
Brandon Jefferson led the Karditsa attack with 17 points and 4/7 three-pointers, while El Ellis added 14, Alexander Madsen added 11 and Nikos Diplaros added 10. From Ostend, Haris Bratanovic stood out with 17 points.
The ten minutes: 18-21, 34-37, 58-56, 82-78.
CARDS (Papanikolopoulos): Okoro 4, Jefferson Br. 17 (4), Horchler 4 (1), Ellis 14 (2), Liapis, Bothwell 2, Zeugaras, Diplaros 10 (2), Kaselakis 7, Kamberidis 3 (1), Jefferson D. 10, Madsen 11.
OSTANDI (Dedas): Estrada 13, Bichet 3 (1), Shackel 3, Peters, Menes 8, Melson 12, Fiedler, Bratanovich 17, Sylla, Gillette 9 (3), Yaakov 13 (1).