MUNICH (Germany) - Ionikos and CSM CSU Oradea both kept their chances of reaching the Second Round alive as they claimed important victories to open Gameday 5.

Eugene German fired in 37 points to lead Ionikos past Telenet Giants Antwerp 90-87 on the road as the Greek side improved to 2-3 in Group F action. The American guard went 7-of-12 from three-point range, whilst adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists - the last of which found Nikos Chougkaz for a decisive triple in the closing stages.

Antwerp had led by as many as 15 points in the third as they spurned the chance to lock up a Second Round spot for the second successive week. Elvar Fridriksson contributed 28 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds in vain in the defeat with Matt Tiby netting 22 points.

They could still have their place confirmed if Sporting CP win on Wednesday with the result taking both teams through as Antwerp hold the head-to-head over Ionikos.

Earlier, Kris Richard scored 20 of his game-high 22 points in the first half of a 67-58 victory for Oradea at home to FC Porto. The hosts had trailed by eight points at the end of the opening quarter, but won the second frame 22-9 to take a five-point lead into the break as Richard netted a late three.

Oradea were able to push on for their second win in Group H to leave both sides heading into the final week with a 2-3 record, though the Portuguese side hold the head-to-head tie-breaker should the two teams finish level after next week's games. 

Szolnok also remain in contention to join Legia Warszawa - who are now confirmed group winners - in making it out of the Regular Season and the two teams face off on Wednesday amongst the day's 13-game slate.

FIBA