Even coach Vlada Vukoicic and his players were very careful in all statements days before this game, Crvena Zvezda Telekom topped Ratiopharm Ulm easier than expected in Game 1 in Eurocup Last 16 phase.

However, great start or better say the best possible start of Last 16 phase in Eurocup for Crvena Zvezda Telekom.

Definitely one of the best games in Eurocup for Crvena Zvezda Telekom so far, or even the best game in Eurocup season.

Igor Rakocevic paced the winners with 32 points. Boris Savovic added 17, Elton Brown had 16 and 10 rebounds while Vuk Radivojevic got 13 points for Zvezda.

In statements before this game, in Ratiopharm Ulm warned about Igor Rakocevic as the player who could cause a lot of troubles.

And it exactly happened. Igor Rakocevic led its team not only with 32 points, but with his experience, and as a real team captain took full responsibility when it was important.

Red and whites also had a great support in Germany, and it also helped in this game. Of course, it is always helpful in road games.

John Bryant led Ulm with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Allan Ray added 19 points, Steven Esterkamp had 16 and Per Guenther got 15 for the hosts.

Bryant had a great role especially in second half as he was almost unstoppable, but it didn’t help much to Ratiopharm Ulm.

Final score in this game was 95-100 and I am sure that in Crvena Zvezda Telekom are quite said since they could finish this game with even +10 points if they just had little more patience in last minutes.

However, congratulations to Crvena Zvezda Telekom and coach Vlada Vukoicic who led his team in great way, and it was obvious that they did a quite good job with scouting of their opponents.

Photo: mozzartsport.com