Achara hails eight-man Rocks’ team spirit after rout against Riders
GLASGOW Rocks captain Kieron Achara hailed his side’s resilience after they knocked off British Basketball League title contenders Leicester Riders with only eight players.
The Great Britain forward had 24 points and 15 rebounds as Sterling Davis’ men went on a 17-0 run in the fourth quarter to inflict a 77-57 rout that was only the third loss of the season for their hosts. Davis will step up his search this week to replace axed forward Marcus Ware but the win – coming less than 24 hours after victory against London – gives the fifth-placed Rocks fresh hope, Achara proclaimed.
“I’m so proud of our guys,” he said. “Each and every one of our eight players stepped up when called upon, that’s the epitome of a team.”
Meanwhile, Eilidh Simpson insists Great Britain have not given up hope of reaching next year’s EuroBasket Women finals after their 122-36 annihilation of Albania in Manchester. The Scottish guard had eight points, with Jo Leedham adding a game-high 22, as GB picked up their first qualifying victory to boost their chances.
“The first thing we needed was a win but we’re obviously working towards Wednesday’s game with Montenegro,” said Simpson. “So it was good for us to practice a few things for then and gain some confidence going in. We just need to keep moving forward and this was part of the learning process. It was nice to get everyone on the scoreboard.”
The Montenegrins lost 57-56 to group leaders Italy in Schio.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed the Euroleague is to report world governing body FIBA to European competition authorities in the battle to win control of the rights for the continent’s official super league.
Euroleague, which has the backing of top teams including Real Madrid and Barcelona, has secured a massive investment from American marketing agency IMG ahead of a shake-up of their competition. 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB. email: sport@theherald.co.uk. Tel 0141 302 7156
Sports editor Graham Shields / Deputy sports editor Gordon Stevenson
But FIBA plans to proceed with their own Basketball Champions League next season with threats that clubs could be sanctioned if they refuse to take part in the competition.
“After refusing FIBA’s proposal to enter into a partnership in November 2015, Euroleague confirms with this legal action that it has no intention of entering into a constructive dialogue with FIBA to try to resolve the current situation surrounding club competitions in Europe,” a statement from FIBA said.