SFANTU GHEORGHE (Romanian Basketball Cup) - U-BT Cluj-Napoca reasserted their status as the team to beat in Romania by registering their third successive triumph in the domestic cup competition.

Having outlasted CSM CSU Oradea in a battle of nerves, the Mihai Silvasan-coached powerhouse from Cluj-Napoca lifted the trophy after a close-fought 64-61 victory in Sfantu Gheorghe, with Ousmane Barro earning MVP honors.

Barro was one of four U-BT Cluj-Napoca players in double figures, finishing the game with a 10-point and 10-rebound double-double, as well as 2 steals and 3 blocks.

Meanwhile, Zeljko Sakic and Giordan Watson collected 14 points apiece, as Nandor Kuti chipped in with 13 points of his own.

"Either team could have won. It was an extraordinary contest and both sides really wanted the win badly. Everything was decided on the defensive end. In games like this, whoever stays stronger and more balanced mentally usually wins," coach Silvasan spoke after the victory.

For the opposing side, Kristopher Jameil Richard had 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Muhamed Pasalic was the only other player in double figures with 14 points.

In addition to success on the home front, U-BT Cluj-Napoca are also enjoying a successful international campaign, having qualified for the Round of 16 in the FIBA Europe Cup.

Their countrymen CSM CSU Oradea also took part in the competition this season, but did not make it out of the Qualification Rounds after falling to the Bulgarians of BC Balkan.

FIBA