Domestic leagues: Levski lost the derby against Lukoil Academic, Balkan with another win

Levski lost the first derby of the season against Lukoil Academic. The Blues played the champions in Sofia and were defeated 77-87. Lukoil took advantage after making and 11-2 run after the middle of the second quarter. In the third Levski closed the gap to a single point but then the visitors scored the last 8 points of the quarter and the first 5 of the fourth which decided the game. Pavel Ivanov had 24 points for Levski as Lionel Chalmers added 18 and 5 assists.
 
On the other side Balkan recorded its fourth straight victory. The team hosted Chernomorets and won 85-70 despite losing in the first three quarters. The visitors were up by 9 points with a little left in the third one but it finished with 4 in their favour. In the last ten minutes Balkan was better and won the match. Pavel Marinov had a double double with 27 points and 10 rebounds while Noah Dahlman also was in double figures - 25 points and 17 rebounds.
 
After seven games played Levski and Balkan are tied for 2nd position with 5 wins and 2 losses.