Gran Canaria's second-half defense was key
Gran Canaria had to battle hard to beat Frutti Extra Bursaspor 72-66 at home and advance to the 7DAYS EuroCup Quarterfinals. Its second-half defense, in which it protected the paint much better, was among the most significant keys to the game.
Bursaspor was very effective inside the arc in the first half, making 6-of-9 two-point shots (66.7%) in the opening quarter and 8-of-16 (50%) in the first 20 minutes. At halftime, Bursaspor had 56% two-point shooting. After the break, Bursaspor only took 13 two-point shots and converted just 4 for a poor 30.8% shooting inside the arc.
Bursaspor was limited to just 66 points, its second-lowest mark this season. It previously scored 65 in a road loss against Umana Reyer Venice in Regular Season Round 7. Bursapor also struggled from beyond the arc, making just 7-of-31 shots. Its three-point shooting percentage (22.6% 3FG) was the club's season-low on the road. Bursaspor was limited to 11 assists. Gran Canaria had 18 assists with 20-of-32 shooting on two-pointers (62.5%).