Heroes Den Bosch upset Benfica to open Regular Season, Ionikos claim debut victory

MUNICH (Germany) - The FIBA Europe Cup Regular Season action for the 2021-22 season began with wins for Bahcesehir College, Heroes Den Bosch and debutants Ionikos BC on Tuesday night.

Heroes Den Bosch put together a timely 10-0 spell in the final quarter as they overcame Benfica to win 78-73 on the road in Lisbon behind a 29-point haul from Mike Carson. 

The American forward poured in 11 points in the fourth as the visitors weathered a 9-2 close to the third period from Benfica. The home side had led 66-61 before the pivotal spell saw the momentum change hands and the Dutch side closed out the victory.

Eugene German helped lead Ionikos to a memorable road victory with five triples in a 21-point haul as they defeated Belfius Mons-Hainaut 78-75. Kostas Gontikas weighed in with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting as side went 62-percent from inside the arc.

There was little to separate the two teams in the first half and the Greek visitors used a 7-0 burst in the third to pull away in their maiden FIBA Europe Cup appearance. The gap peaked at 12 points and was reduced following a late flurry from Belfius Mons-Hainaut as they poured in 13 points over the final minute.

Earlier, Bahcesehir College picked up from where they left off from the curtailed 2019-20 edition as they secured an opening 75-68 success over Mornar Bar. Oguz Savas posted 17 points and 11 rebounds in the win with Benjamin Bentil also adding 17 points as five players hit double figures for the hosts.

The side from Turkey used an early 12-0 run to take control in the contest before Mornar Bar - led by 20 points from Vladimir Mihailovic - closed to within six points at 60-54 inside the fourth quarter.

It was important for Bahcesehir to get off to a winning start in the competition as they now head on the road for the next three weeks in Group E action.

The Gameday 1 schedule continues on Wednesday with 13 games taking place as the remaining teams begin their Regular Season campaigns.

FIBA