Pardubice teach Pau-Lacq-Orthez a painful lesson in Czech Republic

PARDUBICE (FIBA Europe Cup) - BK Pardubice turned in their best FIBA Europe Cup Second Round performance yet and handed the visiting Pau-Lacq-Orthez an impressive 92-77 upset in Group O to keep their slim Round of 16 hopes alive.

It was the first victory in the Second Round for the Czech side, who remain at the bottom of the standings in spite of improving to a 1-3 record. Meanwhile, the loss might have significant knock-on effects for Elan Bearnais, who dropped to a 2-2 mark.

Turning Point: The hosts started to build their momentum in the third quarter, but it wasn't until the final frame when the Pau-Lacq-Orthez's resistance was finally broken. 

Leading 69-66 with eight minutes left to play, Pardubice turned up the heat and went on a 10-0 run after four consecutive baskets by Lamb Autrey and Dusan Pandula.

Game Hero: While it is hard to pin-point one player for Pardubice, there was simply no stopping Joseph Wall, who finished the game with a game-high 21 points and 6 rebounds for the hosts after converting on 5-of-8 from long-range.

Dominez Burnett was equally impressive with 20 points and 6 boards, while Autrey and Pandula stepped in at a clutch time to push the home side over the finish line.

Stats Don't Lie: One three-pointer after another swished the Pau-Lacq-Orthez net in the second half, as the Czech side found their stroke from beyond the arc, finishing the game with an impressive 13-of-29 shooting from three-point range. 

The Bottom Line: Although coach Levell Sanders can be proud of his team for getting their first win in the Second Round, especially after losing by 36 points to Elan Bearnais in France, it will not help the Czech side as much as it will be a setback for Pau-Lacq-Orthez.

Pardubice would still need to win the final two games against Alba Fehervar and U-BT Cluj-Napoca in order to even come into consideration for a place in the Round of 16.

They said: "I would like to thank the opponent coach and his team for the game. They have a very good team. We expected it would be a tight match and I am happy that the guys got together for a nice performance today. We made good shots, played good on offense and on defense. It was a great team victory. Everyone played together and did everything together like we planned before the match." - Pardubice head coach Levell Sanders.

FIBA