MIES (Basketball Champions League) - The second legs of Qualification Round 2 took place on Tuesday night as we move one step closer to the 2017-18 Basketball Champions League Regular Season.

The full Round 3 of Qualification is almost set, with one game remaining; due to bad weather, Kataja Basket vs Divina Seguros Joventut game was postponed, to be played Wednesday evening instead.

Here is a brief recap, with key moments and top performers from each match-up:

Lukoil Academic vs Benfica

Lukoil Academic secured an 87-71 win over Benfica to lock up their place in Qualification Round 3.

A dominant 27-12 opening period in Lukoil Academic's favour set the tone as they would cruise the rest of the way to set a match-up with Juventus Utena on Monday.

Anthony Raffa had 17 points and 6 assists to lead five players in double figures for Lukoil Academic.

Nuno Oliveira had 4 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to do a little bit of everything for Benfica, whilst Antywane Robinson led the scoring with 14 points.

Nizhny Novgorod vs Telenet Giants Antwerp

Telenet Giants Antwerp held on for a 62-66 win over Nizhny Novgorod, booking their place in Qualification Round 3.

In a game that featured multiple lead changes as neither side were able to gain an edge, Antwerp outscored Nizhny Novgorod 10-4 over the final five minutes to pull out the win.

Jason Clark finished with 20 points for Antwerp, who will take on Rosa Radom in the next round.

Stevan Jelovac had 18 points and 7 rebounds to lead Nizhny Novgorod.

U-BT Cluj Napoca vs MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg

MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg pulled out a 78-72 victory over U-BT Cluj  Napoca at home to get one step closer to the Regular Season.

Despite the close scoreline, MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg led from start to finish in the second leg, advancing to Qualification Round 3 where they will take on Basic-Fit Brussels.

David McRay, MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg player

"It was a good ga
me for us," commented Ludwigsburg's David Mcray.

"We started out the game really well, with good rhythm, making good shots and open shots. Then Cluj put more pressure on us, but we started to play more aggressive, I think our guys
responded well, we stayed calm, we made some big shots on the end and this is it. "

Dwayne Evans had 17-point, 11-rebound double double for Ludwigsburg.

Lasan Kromah once again led U-BT Cluj Napoca with a 20-point outing, going 6 of 11 from the floor.

Budivelnyk vs Tsmoki-Minsk

Tsmoki-Minsk registered a 60-53 win over Budivelnyk on the road in Kiev to advance to Qualification Round 3.

Both teams traded punches throughout until, with the score tied at 47 with 6:36 remaining, Tsmoki-Minsk reeled off a 13-4 run to finish and secure the win.

Filip Adamovic had 15 points and 5 rebounds for Tsmoki-Minsk, who will face Nanterre in Qualification Round 3.

Fields had 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for Budivelnyk, Krutous joined him in double figures with 10 points, and  Kervin Bristol had 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 3 blocks. 

Bakken Bears vs Donar Groningen 

Donar Groningen bounced back to pick up victory in Game 2, 91-83, in Risskov to advance to Qualification Round 3.

Donar Groningen overcame a monster performance from DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell, who exploded for 31 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.
 

Jason Dourisseau had 18 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the visitors, who will take on Movistar Estudiantes in the next round of qualification, and Head Coach Erik Braal is looking forward to the prospect.

"We had a really good stay in Aarhus with a good hotel and good fish in the restaurant," Braal commented.

"This helped our restitution in a tough schedule. We look forward to play against Estudiantes, they are a really team and we just faced another really good team. I am proud of my players and they way they reacted at half time."

Alba Fehervar vs Kalev Cramo  

Alba Feherva pulled away in the second half for a 79-64 win over Kalev Cramo at home. 

After a seven point loss in Game 1, Alba bounced back in Game 2 with a dominant third quarter to secure the aggregate victory and advance to face Pinar Karsiyaka.

Alba's Kasey Hill had 23 points and 4 steals to lead the charge, as Captain Lorant added 17.

"I think two great, same level teams played tonight," said BC Kalev Cramo Alar Varrak.

"I think other coach agrees with me, we played two hard games. Kasey Hill made an amazing run, we couldn’t stop him. 

Janari Joesaar and Martynas Mazeika led Kalev Cramo with 12 and 11 points, respectively. 

Mornar Bar vs Avtodor Saratov 

Avtodor Saratov took control early and held off Mornar Bar late for a 70-62 win in Leg 2 for a dominant aggregate victory and a spot in Round 3 of Qualification.

Sheleketo had 12 points to lead four players in double figures for Avtodor Saratov, who will now take on Sikeliarchivi Cap d'Orlando in the next stage.

Uros Lukovic had an efficient 14-point, 13-rebound double double in defeat.