Kyiv halt Ventspils' winning run; SL Benfica victorious at home

MUNICH (Germany) - Ventspils were handed their first defeat of the competition this season as BC Kyiv Basket prevailed to resume FIBA Europe Cup action.

The Latvian side had won all eight games heading into the contest, but Kyiv claimed an 81-78 triumph and the outright lead at the top of Group K with a perfect three wins from three.

Kyndahl Hill top scored with 18 points along with 10 rebounds with Viacheslav Petrov adding 16 points, while Marek Klassen weighed in with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists on competition debut in the absence of star guard Kasey Shepherd.

"I'm proud of my team - this was an important game," said Kyiv head coach Ainars Bagatskis. "Our team is tired and we also lost our point guard recently so it was a touch and go game.

"We played against a strong team, we gave it our all and despite all the odds, we pulled through."

Meanwhile, SL Benfica got their hopes of advancing back on track in Group I with a 90-79 victory over Bakken Bears seeing both teams with 2-1 records.

The visitors had the slender advantage after 10 minutes before Benfica took control in the second period by racking up 33 points to lead 50-39 at the break and they never trailed again.

Betinho Gomes top scored with 21 points, while there were double-doubles for Anthony Ireland - 18 points and 11 assists - and Eric Coleman - 13 points and 10 rebounds - in the win.

Six more games take place on Wednesday to complete the Gameday 3 action in the Second Round.

FIBA