Avellino once again prove too strong for Besiktas

AVELLINO (Basketball Champions League) - Sidigas Avellino continue to have Besiktas Sompo Japan's number after a 90-74 win on Wednesday evening.

It gives the Italians the season sweep over the Turkish side, as they snapped their six game win streak and handed them just their second loss of the season - both of which have come to Avellino.

Despite the loss, Besiktas remain at the top of Group D at 6-2, whilst Avellino improved to 4-4 in fourth place.

Ariel Filloy knocked down five threes on his way to 20 points and 6 assists, Jason Rich led Avellino early on his way to 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and captain Maarten Leunen had 13 and 9 assists.

"We played a very good game," Leunen said. "It was a great team effort, everybody brought something to the table, we played 40 minutes really tough.

"Besikas are obviously a really good, tough team in our group; they've got everything, size, athleticism, they're very physical.

"It was a must win game for us,we had to come out with energy, and we did that today. I think everyone did their part in helping us get this win."

For Besiktas, Earl Clark had 16 points, DJ Strawberry 12 points and 5 assists, whilst Kenan Sipahi had 11.

"Congratulations to Avellino, they played a good game," a disappointed Kyle Weems said after the contest.

"We didn't play good, made a bunch of mistakes, and we we were soft."

Kyrylo Fesenko made his impact felt early at both ends of the court as Avellino jumped out to the 6-1 lead, with him registering 3 of his game-high 6 blocks in the first four minutes

A pair of Filloy three-pointers, the first of which was a 35-foot buzzer beater, gave Avellino a 22-14 lead after the opening period.

Back to back dunks from Hamady Ndiaye inside rocked the rim early in the second as Avellino extended their lead to 27-16.

Besiktas' first three of the game, from Ryan Boatright, saw them draw back to within 7 forcing Avellino into a timeout with 5:46 left in the half.

Avellino led 40-30 at halftime, disrupting Besikas every time they seemed to begin to find some rhythm.

A difficult DJ Strawberry drive opened the scoring in the second half as Besiktas got the lead back to single digits but Avellino responded immediately with a three, as they would do all game.

The Italians made 12 three-pointers as they shot 48% from deep and never allowed Besikas a chance to get back into the game in the second half.