19 September, 2017
06 May, 2018
32 Johannes Thiemann (GER)
23/01/2018
Game Report
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MHP Riesen go top of Group B as defense shuts down Elan Chalon


CHALON (Basketball Champions League) - MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg climbed into first place in Group B for at least 24 hours thanks to a 70-56 triumph at Elan Chalon.

John Patrick's side, which had to make through three qualifying rounds just to take part in the Regular Season, is making the most of the opportunity.

They stormed into an early advantage at Elan Chalon, a team they thumped by 20 points in Germany back on November 8, and led the rest of the way.

MHP Riesen, which played with a harassing defense all night and was relentless crashing the boards, held an advantage as great as 20 points.

The defense was so good that it held Chalon to 29.1 percent (16 of 55) from the floor.

Thomas Walkup, MHP Riesen's "Mr All Everything", did a lot of damage with his disruptive defense. He had a team-high 3 steals while Adika Peter-McNeilly came up with 2.

David McCray was outstanding in the second half as the visitors kept the pressure on. He had 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 15 minutes of action.

The German team improved to 10-2 and leapfrogged defending champions Iberostar Tenerife into first place in Group B.

The Canary Islanders, who have swept their two games against MHP Riesen, can also improve to 10-2 and go back into first with a win on Wednesday at home to PAOK.

Patrick got excellent contributions from a lot of players, including Germany international Johannes Thiemann. He had 14 points and 8 rebounds.

"I think we did a good job," Thiemann said. "We held them to 56 points on their home court. I think we had a real good game defensively and that was our game plan."

A top two finish is already secure for MHP Riesen in Group B but Thiemann says he and his teammates want to finish first.

"For sure it's going to be tough," he said. "With Tenerife, they beat us twice but still, I think we can make a run for first place.'