Dunav Econt - champion

28-05-2008 20:26 | Александър Сотиров

Dunav Econt won the women's title, and is going right into the history, as Stefan Stefanov's team is the first one in Rousse history to win a title in team sports.

Today Dunav Econt managed to beat 71-68 against Lukoil Neftochimic, and with that victory outplayed them 3-1 in the best of 5 series.

Similar to the first two games, Dunav started better than Lukoil. They were leading during the whole first half, and deservedly had a lead at halftme - 34-38.

The difference with yesterday's game was, that Dunav had decided to battle until the end, and they didn't let Lukoil take control even for a second. With points by Svetla Asenova, the difference grew up to 8 points early in the third, but Radostina Slavova bring it back to 37-42.

In the end of the third period, after fantastic plays from Diana Naydenova, Hristina Minkova and a important three-pointer by Petya Djambazka, Dunav's lead grew to double digits (47-58). Aneta Miteva and Roksana Yordanova played really good in those moments of the game.

Lukoil Neftochimic was falling, but not giving up. Petko Marinov's team still beleived they could make a fitfth game happen.

Natalia Topalova took Lukoil's deficit to just a single point, with 2 minutes left - 65-66, but Svetla Asenova scored a great basket with 1:38 leftfor 65-68. Anna Rimpova, who had a great day on the defensive end made a steal and Asenova scored a free-throw with 41 seconds left till the buzzer.

After an and one play by Radostina Slavova, Lukoil kept their hope alive, and the difference was only 1 point with 25 seconds to go. Lukoil made a foul, but it was pretty late. Rimpova scored two free-throws, and the score grew to 68-71, as Natalia Topalova was fouled with 4 seconds remaining. The only way to get to overtime was that she scores the first free-throw, misses the second, and Lukoil gets the offensive board and scores a basket from inside. But Topalova missed her first free-throw, and in the battle for the rebound the clock stopped.

For the new champions Diana Naydenova scored the most points - 16, as she added 5 assists. Hristina Minkova made a great addition off the bench with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists, before leaving the game for 5 fouls. Roksana Yordanova was Dunav's third player to finish in double digits.

For Lukoil Neftochimic Radostina Slavova had 23, including 4 three-pointers and 7 rebounds. Natalia Topalova added 13 points and 9 boards, but also missed 4 free-throws.

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