MUNICH (Germany) - The first leg of the FIBA Europe Cup Semi-Finals featured contrasting scorelines, but it also highlighted five standout performers who are relentless in their pursuit of glory.
As always, you can vote for your favorite out of the five below.
Cholet Basket did what no team has done previously in this competition, and that was to defeat PAOK mateco on their home floor. But thanks to Gerald Ayayi's 26 points on 11-for-12 from the field, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, the French side edged their Greek counterparts 89-88 in the first leg. Ayayi scooped an efficiency rating of 30.
Despite the home loss, PAOK is still in the tie, and Shavar Reynolds was a significant factor as his 20 points on 63 percent shooting, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, whilst matching Ayayi's efficiency rating of 30, kept them in it.
Gregor Hrovat's recent form continues to blossom, and he stood out for JDA Bourgogne Dijon as their ruthless second half display put Bilbao Basket to the sword. The Slovenian posted 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in Dijon's 77-58 success over Bilbao, with the Spanish side having it all to do on their home floor next Wednesday.
Hrovat's teammate Axel Julien provided a solid support cast on the night as the guard pulled the strings and scored when he needed to in an effortless display. The Dijon star had 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in the victory.
Jamuni McNeace scored the winning basket for Cholet Basket with 0.9 seconds left. His clutch dunk highlighted a performance of 13 points, 6 rebounds, and a block - helping Cholet snatch what could be a vital win that lands a place in the Finals. However, PAOK will have something to say about that in France next week.
FIBA