Prometey takes winning streak into playoffs
Prometey Slobozhanske won its 11th game in a row. A team that had a 3-4 record after an overtime loss at Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse in early December, Prometey never lost again and finished on Wednesday night as Group A winner to secure playing as a host in all games before EuroCup Finals.
"We did an amazing job the entire season," Prometey head coach Ronen Ginzburg said after his team's 93-76 win in the regular season finale. "I am satisfied and happy."
The mood was ruined only by an injury to playmaker Caleb Agada, who had 11 points, 4 assists and 4 steals before leaving the game with what appeared to be a leg injury in the second quarter. Already missing another playmaker, D.J. Kennedy, it did not stop Prometey from dominating Reyer in the second half.
Gian Clavell starred with 25 points, making 4 of team's 9 three-pointers on the night, and Ivan Tkachenko stepped up in his first start with 13 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the field.
But it was the dominance inside that made the difference for Prometey, which shot 27-for-38 (71.1%) on two-pointers. Also, Prometey committed just 9 turnovers while its defense picked up 11 steals, forcing 17 turnovers by the visitors.
The biggest praise came from the visiting coach, former EuroCup champ Neven Spahija.
"They are a way better team [than us] right now. I have to give credit to Coach Ginzburg and the team for the amazing basketball. There is so many things to learn from them."
However, all that Prometey has done will soon be forgotten. Because it's playoffs time in a one-and-done format. Prometey's opponent in the eighthfinals is Veolia Towers Hamburg.
"I think all 16 teams can beat each other. Just look at what happened last season. We need to be ready", Ginzburg concluded.