Lukoil Academic lost to Cantu in the Euroleague qualifiers

25-09-2012 23:20 | Ivan Valchanov

Lukoil Academic lost to the host of Euroleague qualification round Bennet Cantu. The Bulgarian champion played a good game against the strong opponent who was supported by 3000 local fans but lost 79-87. Lukoil will play in Eurocup this season as the team will be one of the favorites.

The game started better for the hosts from Cantu but very soon Lukoil was just a point behind them. The first quarter finished at 26-25. After a real battle in the second period the margin remained the same at 48-47. Although Lukoil led in the third quarter, the experience and the fans helped Cantu be ahead after 30 minutes – 64-60. Only 2 minutes before the final buzzer Lukoil trailed by 3 but Cantu played solid in the end and took the victory.

Darryl Watkins played a great game for Lukoil finishing with a double-double – 18 points and 15 rebounds. Brandon Heath netted 21 and Bozhidar Avramov 14. For Cantu Alex Tyus finished with 18 and Manuchar Markoishvili with 15.