Euroins Cherno More defeated Rilski Sportist in the NBL

Euroins Cherno More came back on the winning track after the disappointing quarterfinal exits in both the Eurohold Balkan League and the Cup of Bulgaria. In their first game since they parted ways with Serbian coach Predrag Badnjarevic, Cherno More managed a convincing home victory over BIBL Final Four hosts Rilski Sportist - 100-78 to the delight of their fans in Varna.
 
The home team had several very strong spells of a few minutes each, in which they gained most of that 22-point advantage they ended up with. The first of those key bursts of action for Cherno More was near the end of the first quarter, when they came back from an 7-point deficit to trail by just 1 after the opening 10 minutes - 27-28. The second was a 15-3 run in the middle of the second period, which lifted them to a double digit lead - 47-37. Cherno More`s advantage was even bigger at half time 58-45. The third and decisive surge by the hosts was in the third quarter, when they scored 14 unanswered points and took a 20+ point lead at 78-57. The last quarter of the game was academic and it ended at 100-78.
 
With the win Cherno More are now tied for third in the National Basketball League table at 9-7, while Rilski Sportist`s loss keeps them in 5th at 7-9.
 
Brazilian center Atila Santos had a great game off the bench for the winning side - he netted 28 points in 28 minutes and also grabbed 12 rebound for his 11th double double of the season. Team captain Simeon Tsenov added 16 points for the victory, while Corey McIntosh and Bryce Sheldon contributed 14 apiece. Travis Peterson of the visiting team had a memorable performance too, but he would rather forget that one, considering the outcome for Rilski Sportist. Peterson had 24 points (3 treys) on 8/11 shooting from the field, as well as 8 rebounds. Still Ivan Lilov and Branko Mirkovic reached double figures in scoring too, with 15 and 13 respectively.
 
Now Cherno More will be looking ahead in much better mood, hoping the win means they are out of the slump. They can now concentrate on their performances in the National Basketball League, where they`ll try and reach the final of the playoffs. The Rilski Sportist players had better forget what happened in Varna as soon as they can and prepare for next week`s Eurohold Balkan League Final Four, which will be held in their gym - Arena Samokov.