UKR - Another fine moment for Azovmash

KIEV (Cup of Ukraine) – Azovmash coach Rimas Girskis often finds himself in drama-filled title games.

A couple seasons ago, he led the Ukrainian team into the EuroCup final in Spain and they almost upset hosts Akasvayu Girona before suffering a heart-wrenching 79-72 defeat.

Over the weekend, Girskis and Azovmash were at again only this time against their Ukraine rivals BC Kyiv in the Cup of Ukraine final.

Azovmash trailed 74-72 inside the final five seconds when Rolandas Jarutis got his hands on the ball and connected from long range for a 75-74 lead.

Kiev still had time to get the ball up the court and Scoonie Penn launched a potential game-winner but his shot glanced off the rim as the buzzer sounded, leading to a huge celebration on the Azovmash bench.

Girskis breathed a sigh of relief.

Azovmash, just as they had done one year ago, won the Cup of Ukraine.

“I feel great,” he said. “I feel relieved. I feel happy about the work we’ve done.

“This is not the first time I have won the Cup of Ukraine, but as they say – the last win is the most memorable.”

A player who has had a lot of memorable performances for Azovmash, including that 2007 EuroCup final, is Khalid El-Amin and he had another one that won’t be forgotten any time soon.

El-Amin made seven three-pointers and finished with 23 points to earn MVP honors.

Dijon Thompson was also outstanding for Azovmash, scoring 20 points.

FIBA