Another comeback, another win for Akademik Plovdiv

BC Akademik Plovdiv recorded its second straight win in Group B of Delasport Balkan League. Once again it came after a comeback and a strong second half as they defeated KK Ibar Rozaje 78-68 away. The hosts were leading for the most part of the game, including early in the fourth quarter, but in the final minutes Akademik performed much better to get another win after the one in Prishtina two days ago. Next Wednesday Akademik will visit Beroe while Ibar's next match is a week later against The Greens from Stara Zagora.

The teams exchanged baskets early and it was the hosts who were able to pull ahead first. They managed to take an advantage and extended it to 8 points at the end of the first quarter. The home team continued to have an advantage in the second as the hosts stayed close but never took the lead. At the break the difference however was just 4 points so were in for a great second half.

It turned out to be exactly like that, especially in the final minutes of the game. In the third quarter the home side kept leading as the difference reached 10 points but Akademik once again managed to cut it and was down by just 2 at the end of it. Shortly after the start of the fourth quarter the visitors took the lead for a first time since the first minutes and a bit later went on a decisive run. With the score tied at 64 they scored 9 points in a row and managed to hold on for the victory.

Vasil Bachev was the top scorer for the winners with his 23 points. Anthony Gugino and Nikolay Titkov also did well as both scored 14 points apiece.

The hosts were led by Nemanja Simovic who finished with 16 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds. Marko Ljujic had 14 points and 5 rebounds as Vasilije Knezevic added 12 and 7.

BOXSCORE