Lukoil Academic defeat Beroe, earn third consecutive Bulgarian title

STARA ZAGORA (Bulgarian National Basketball League) - Lukoil Academic, who reached the Second Round in the FIBA Europe Cup this season, lifted the Bulgarian crown for the 26th time in the club's history after downing BC Beroe in the National Basketball League (NBL) Finals.

"Today, we are the champions and this is all that matters."Toni DechevToni Dechev

The team from Sofia wrapped up the best-of-five series with an 83-76 victory on the road in Stara Zagora on Monday, allowing coach Toni Dechev's side to triumph 3-1 overall.

Point guard Danny Gibson led Lukoil Academic's charge with 30 points on 7-of-10 shooting from beyond the arc and received the Finals MVP award after another terrific individual performance.

"I feel great. I am very happy about everyone at the club. I came to Lukoil to win the title and our goal was achieved. This is the first championship of my career. I am very happy, the feeling is incredible," Gibson told Bulgarian National Television after the game.

Anthony Beane chipped in with 16 points for Lukoil Academic, Asen Velikov knocked down three long-range bombs en route to 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and the team as a whole made 16-of-30 attempts from three-point range. 

Having seen their stretch of 11 consecutive Bulgarian NBL titles interrupted by Levski Sofia in 2013-2014, Lukoil Academic have started another run, stringing together another three championships in a row.

"I am very happy. It's been a difficult year for the club, but the ending was a good one, so everyone will remember only that. Today, we are the champions and this is the most important thing," said head coach Toni Dechev.

In spite of a loss in the Finals, it was still a magnificent season for the recently-promoted Beroe, who earned their first-ever podium finish in the NBL and won the Bulgarian Cup earlier in the season after handing Lukoil Academic a massive upset in the trophy game.

FIBA