There is something in the Sofia air, says relieved Drucker after close escape against Dinamo

SOFIA (FIBA Europe Cup) - It was a harder-than-expected start of the season for Lukoil Academic in the FIBA Europe Cup, with Dinamo Tbilisi pushing the Bulgarian champions to the brink of an upset in Group E.

Having entered the final quarter with a relatively safe 11-point cushion, the Sharon Drucker-coached hosts let their lead slip after Levan Patsatsia and Lavell Boyd combined for three quick three-pointers, one right after another.

Dinamo had even taken the lead at 69-67 with two-and-a-half minutes left in regulation, but Lukoil Academic held their cool and came up with an appropriate response for a 73-70 victory.

"It seems like there is something in the air in Sofia that makes our opponents in Europe this autumn shoot excellent from behind the arc and push us up against the wall."Lukoil Academic head coach Sharon DruckerLukoil Academic head coach Sharon Drucker

Relieved to get their FIBA Europe Cup campaign started with a win, the team's Israeli play-caller Drucker allowed himself to be a little bit more playful in the post-game press conference.

"It seems like there is something in the air in Sofia that makes our opponents in Europe this autumn shoot excellent from behind the arc and push us up against the wall," he offered, shrugging lightly.

Having allowed their Basketball Champions League opponents SL Benfica and BC Juventus to reach double digits in three-pointers made twice at the Universiada Hall in the Qualification Rounds, the Academics were faced with a similar problem against Dinamo.

"We missed a huge chance, which could have opened the door to something big in this group."Dinamo guard Lavell BoydDinamo guard Lavell Boyd

The visitors from Tbilisi connected on 8-of-19 attempts from three-point range for a stellar 42.1% mark, which allowed them to mount the fourth-quarter comeback.

"We missed a huge chance, which could have opened the door to something big in this group. To start the Group Phase with a win could have given us confidence," said Dinamo guard Lavell Boyd, who knocked down 4-of-7 from deep on the way to a game-high 21 points.

"It's a pity for us, because we played well. We did a very good job and we were so close to opening the tournament in a victorious way. Now we are sad, but life goes on and we are looking forward to our next game."

Lavell Boyd punished Lukoil Academic with four long-range baskets

After a close defeat in their first game, Dinamo Tbilisi will be searching for their next win at home against the Romanian champions U-BT Cluj-Napoca, which promises to be perhaps an even more difficult task.

Meanwhile, coach Drucker praised his team for how they handled the situation late in the game and began their European season on a positive note.

"I am happy because finally we took an important rebound on defense in the end, which led us to an even more important victory at the start of the Group Phase of the FIBA Europe Cup," he said after the game.

Having defended their home floor, despite a close challenge from Dinamo, Lukoil Academic climbed to the top of Group E alongside U-BT Cluj-Napoca who somewhat surprisingly scorched Istanbul BBSK 90-69 to begin the Regular Season.

Lukoil Academic will travel now travel to Turkey to face Istanbul BBSK next Wednesday before hosting U-BT Cluj-Napoca back in the Bulgarian capital the following week, giving them a chance to test the special air in Sofia and the Universiada Hall rims that have so far been friendlier to away teams than the hosts would have liked.

FIBA