Andrija Stepanovic's night pushes Cluj Napoca over Hapoel Holon in a double-overtime thriller / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Andrija Stepanovic's 29 points led the way for U-BT Cluj Napoca (3-1) to edge out Hapoel U-NET Holon (2-1) 106-101 (17-24, 20-22, 20-15, 26-22, 11-11, 12-7) in a double-overtime thriller to capture the first place in Group G of Basketball Champions League.

With 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Guy Pnini's three-pointer gave Hapoel a 5-point lead. With 14 seconds on the clock, the Israeli team had the ball and a three-point lead when Fred Bourdillon threw an ill-advised pass only for Karel Guzman to steal it and Patrick Richard to drain a contested three-pointer on a fast break.

The teams' efforts to win the match during the regular time were unsuccessful and the sides headed to overtime.

The first extra period could not determine the winner as both teams battled with Hapoel once again holding the lead after Pnini's go-ahead three-pointer with 8 seconds left. Then, however, Richard drained another three-point shot to even out the score, and the teams headed to the second overtime.

The second extra period was much more relaxed. Cluj went on a little 5-0 run with 39 seconds left to seal the deal and capture a bounce-back win after losing to Hapoel in their previous encounter.

Andrija Stipanovic was the man for Cluj Napoca, scoring 29 points, and grabbing 7 rebounds for the team. Brandon Brown added 20 points and 8 assists, while the game hero Richard poured in 17 points, collected 8 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists.

Cluj: Andrija Stipanovic 29 (10/15 2PT, 7 REB), Brandon Brown 20 (2/6 2PT, 3/6 3PT, 7/7 FT, 8 AST), Patrick Richard 17 (5/11 3PT, 8 REB, 8 AST, 4 TO), Elijah Stewart 14 (4/6 2PT), Dustin Hogue 12 (2/3 2PT, 1/1 3PT).

Hapoel: Niv Misgav 19 (2/6 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 9/10 FT, 6 AST), Fred Bourdillon 18 (6/12 3PT, 5 REB), Michale Kyser 15 (5/8 2PT, 6 REB), Chris Johnson 14 (4/6 2PT, 1/1 3PT, 3/4 FT), Guy Pnini (3/7 3PT, 4 AST), Rafael Menco 12 (3/7 2PT), Steven Gray 10 (3/4 2PT, 6 REB).

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