Hoffman Leads Vilnius To Comfortable Win


A strong first-half display allowed TEO Vilnius to ease to victory over Halcon Avenida on Tuesday, giving them an early advantage in the best-of-three Eighth-Final play-offs.

Ebony Hoffman was the star performer for the Lithuanian hosts as the 24-year-old American center drained 18 points and grabbed eight boards in a largely one-sided first leg.

Vilnius started quickly and were already up 29-19 by the end of the first quarter.

They led 33-21 midway through the second period when Katie Douglas made a lay-up, and they extended that lead to 14 points by the half time buzzer, with Ausra Bimbaite making a lay-up to make it 45-31.

From there it was a procession.

Halcon improved slightly in the second half, and pulled to within seven points when Nicole Powell sank a three-pointer with 3:30 left in the period.

But they got no closer as Teo stepped it up a gear in the final 10 minutes to cruise to victory.

American forward Nicole Powell paced the Spaniards, matching compatriot Hoffman's totals for points and rebounds.

Jurgita Streimikyte helped Hoffman along by weighing in with 15 points for the home side.

The teams meet again for the second leg on Friday.


Bourges Through To Final Four23.02.2007
Bourges Storm Back For Victory20.02.2007
TEO Cruise Into Quarters02.02.2007
Douglas Hits For 29 As TEO Hold Off Wisla17.01.2007
Jurgita Travels Well For Vilnius10.01.2007
Streimikyte Stars In Vilnius Win20.12.2006
Famila Basket's Wretched Run Continues14.12.2006