Simmons sparks late run to lead Banvit over Asesoft

Banvit Bandirma needed a 14-0 fourth-quarter run to put CSU Asesoft Ploiesti away 81-66 and snag first place in Group E. Both teams entered the game 2-0 and sharing the top spot in the group. The game was a worthy clash for first place. Banvit led by 2 at halftime and Asesoft took a 1-point lead early in the fourth. With a race to the final whistle looking apparent, Keith Simmons scored 5 points to spark Banvit’s game-deciding run. Simmons finished with 18 points, while EJ Rowland netted 15 and Chuck Davis and Vladimir Veremeenko scored 11 each for the winners. Davis also grabbed 9 rebounds. Alhaji Mohammed led Asesoft with 18 points and 8 boards, Gerald Lee scored 15 and Jarvis Hayes 13, while Dee Brown dished 11 assists in defeat.

Mohammed shined early with a basket-plus-foul and a steal and slam. Sammy Mejia opened Banvit’s account, but Hayes free throws and a Jonte Flowers layup made it 4-13. Simmons rallied the hosts back to 9-13 through 10 minutes. Davis made it a 2-point game before Simmons completed the comeback with a three-pointer to tie the game at 16-16. Lee heated up to keep Asesoft in front, but Banvit remained close behind. Veremeenko eventually tied it at 26-26 and Rowland’s layup gave Banvit a 29-28 advantage. Dragan Labovic evened the score once more with a three, but Davis scored at the buzzer to make it 33-31 at the break.

Vladimir Dragicevic scored three times as Banvit slowly built a 43-35 cushion in the first part of the third quarter, but a Mohammed tip-in and a Labovic triple brought Asesoft back within 2. Rowland scored twice and Can Maxim Mutaf hit from downtown to push Banvit ahead 52-45. Mohammed and Simmons traded threes to make it 55-50 through three quarters. A Flowers three and Hayes jumper – both assisted on by Dee Brown – gave Asesoft a 55-56 edge. Simmons free throws put the hosts in front, but a Hayes triple made it 61-59. Simmons responded with his third three of the game and scored once more in a game-breaking 14-0 charge. Rowland added a three and Veremeenko also scored twice in establishing a 75-59 lead with two minutes remaining that was too much for Asesoft to overcome.