Hopkins headlines Top Performers after leading Balkan to overtime win

MUNICH (FIBA Europe Cup) – Balkan Botevgrad big man Mikael Hopkins marked the start of the Second Round by claiming the Top Performer honors, having played a major role in a come-from-behind overtime victory against Alba Fehervar.

The 25-year-old power forward collected a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds and filled up the boxscore with 3 assists, 3 steals and a block, as the Bulgarian side secured an 88-82 win in the Group J opener.

Having trailed by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, Balkan fought their way back into the game and swung the scales in their favor by outscoring the Hungarian visitors 15-9 in the extra period.

On the other side of the turnaround, Alba Fehervar shooting guard Jacobi Boykins collected 21 points, 9 rebounds, a pair of assists and a steal to share the week-best efficiency ranking of 28 with his opponent Hopkins.

Sek Henry of Pinar Karsiyaka and Lance Jeter of Donar Groningen filled the two other perimeter positions on the Team of the Week, with Avtodor Saratov big man Artem Zabelin getting the nod at center.

Henry put together a 22-point, 5-rebound and 5-assist performance for the Izmir club in a 74-70 victory against Szolnoki Olaj in Group I, while Jeter marked his return to Groningen with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists in a losing 84-78 effort against Dinamo Sassari in Group K.

Meanwhile, Zabelin went an efficient 5-of-5 from the field and 5-of-6 from the stripe for 16 points and 9 rebounds in just 13 minutes of playing time, as the Russian side began their Group L campaign with a 98-57 demolition of Kataja Basket.

FIBA