Wolves knock out Aris in European debut; Craiova, Gottingen deny Qualifiers hosts

MUNICH (Germany) - Six teams took a step closer to reaching the Regular Season of the 2022-23 campaign as the FIBA Europe Cup Qualifiers got underway on Tuesday.

New franchise Wolves from Lithuania enjoyed a successful European debut as they overcame the challenge of the famed European side Aris for an 83-72 victory. Adas Juskevicius netted five triples in a 20-point display with Regimantas Miniotas also adding 20 points as well as 12 rebounds for a double-double.

The game was tied at 44-44 at half-time and it was still a one score game with five minutes remaining before the Wolves used an 11-1 run to take control down the stretch - holding off a combined 34 points from JD Notae and Josh Hagins as they next meet Rilski Sportist in Samokov.

Kalev/Cramo were the first team to advance as they eased to a convincing 93-73 victory over Cedevita Junior. Four players reached double figures - including Alterique Gilbert with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists - in a balanced scoring offense as the Estonian side set up a meeting with Sigal Prishtina on Wednesday.

The other encounter in Qualifying Tournament B saw hosts CBet Jonava fall to a 65-59 defeat at the hands of SCMU Craiova in Jonava. Demonte Flannigan top scored for the side from Romania with 16 points and 10 rebounds as they next come up against Kapfenberg Bulls in the Semi-Finals.

BG Gottingen held off a Trepca fightback to win 76-62 as Harald Frey starred with 18 points and 8 assists in Qualifying Tournament A in Mitrovica after Petrolina AEK had recorded a 77-68 success against Thor Thorlakshofn behind 21 points from Andreas Christodoulou

The German side set up a showdown with Sporting CP with Petrolina AEK facing Telenet Giants Antwerp in the other Semi-Final encounter.

Meanwhile, Czarni Slupsk came through a close battle with European debutants Jamtland Basket as Diante Watson contributed 23 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the 83-73 triumph. Last season's semi-finalists ZZ Leiden are the next team standing in their way.

The action continues on Wednesday as eight games take place with two Semi-Finals in each of the four Qualifying Tournaments. 

FIBA