LJ Peak extends perfect home record for Cluj; comeback win for Bahcesehir

MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Europe Cup Play-Offs tipped off in style on Wednesday with two of the first leg ties decided by just a single point and the quartet of Bahcesehir College, U-BT Cluj Napoca, Pinar Karsiyaka and Bakken Bears picking up wins.

Bahcesehir College have the smallest of margins to take into the return leg after edging out Ventspils in a thrilling 78-77 triumph in Istanbul.

The biggest turning point came as the hosts wiped out an 11-point deficit in the third with a 20-4 spell to take the lead at 69-64 in the final quarter. A tense finish ensued with the two sides trading baskets down the stretch before Mangok Mathiang's free throw proved decisive.

Mathiang finished with 15 points and 15 boards in the win with Cam Clark providing a constant scoring threat with a game-high 24 points on 12-of-16 shooting. Trae Golden also had a 20-8-9 stat-line in the win, while opposite number TJ Shorts had 16 points and 9 assists in defeat.

"We came out slow," admitted Clark. "In the second half, we picked up the energy. It's going to be a hard-fought game when we go there (for the second leg).

"They have a lot of great players - guys that can shoot, but I feel like as long as we match their intensity and keep on fighting, then we'll win."

U-BT Cluj Napoca maintained their unbeaten home record this season after LJ Peak's soaring dunk secured an 83-82 victory over medi Bayreuth.

The American top scored with 19 points in the win, with Patrick Richard adding 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists as the Romanian side survived a dramatic finish.

Bastian Doreth knocked down six three-pointers in his 19-point haul as his side recovered from an 11-point deficit to take multiple leads down the stretch. Four other players hit double figures for the visitors as they now return home next week knowing victory by a single basket will be enough to advance.

Bakken Bears produced a strong final quarter effort to earn a 79-66 win at home to Tsmoki-Minsk for a handy 13-point advantage. Ryan Evans led the way with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists for the Bears with Tylor Ongwae adding 13 points - including a couple of huge dunks. 

Pinar Karsiyaka were the most convincing winners as they took their winning streak in the competition to 12 with an 89-71 victory on the road against BC Kyiv Basket.

Jordan Morgan overcame an early injury scare to put up 16 points alongside Amath M'Baye and Brandon Triche as the trio combined for 48 points in the win.

The second legs all take place next Wednesday when the line-up for the Semi-Finals will be confirmed.

FIBA