Second win for Balkan by the sea

09-02-2008 22:07 | Александър Сотиров

Balkan achieved a very important succes, after winning away from home against Cherno More, and continued the winning streak in A-1. After 100-96 versus Cherno More, the team from Botevgrad has 4 wins in a row and continues to be second after Lukoil Academic. Levski is right behind them with one win less, as the two teams are playing in the derby of the next round on Wednesday in Botevgrad.

The home side lead it 3-0 after a three from Todd Galloway and a minute later 5-4 after 2 free-throws from Augustinas Vitas. That were the only two moments when Cherno More lead the score. The guests were leading all the other time. After the first quarter it was 22-30 for Balkan, and at halftime 46-47.

In the second half Georgi Mladenov's team managed to get in front of Cherno More, but everytime the home side managed to return and cut the difference. After the third quarter finished 71-77, the guests from Botevgrad scored the first 7 points in the closing 10 minutes, and lead the game with 13 points (71-84). Three minutes before the end after two succesfull free throws by Ivan Lilov Balkan was ahed 78-90. In the next 2 minutes Cherno More cut their deficit to only 4 points (89-93), but from here until the end Pavle Bolkovac and Ivan Lilov scored 7 out of 8 free-throws, which lead to their final success.

The main factor for Balkan winning was their dominance in the paint. They had 43 rebounds against only 25 for Cherno More.

Dwayne Morton had his 7th double-double for the season - 21 points and 10 rebounds. He added 3 blocks and 2 assists. Lubomir Lilov scored 24 points, including 5 three-pointers and his brother Ivan finished with 23 points and 7 rebounds.

Todd Galloway scored a game-high of 28 points. Along with the other American Bryce Sheldon (24 points) they scored 5 three-pointers each. Atanas Penev was back on the roster, but he did not play.