BELGRADE, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Thanks to precise three-pointers, Serbian basketball champion Red Star (Crvena Zvezda) beat French Limoges 83-71 here on Wednesday in the last 16 opener of the Eurocup.
The beginning of the match was marked by the convincing performance of Maik Zirbes who kept the home team on top with consecutive points and assists. He was aided by Joe Ragland who made several field goals and a three-pointer at 17-11.
Red Star's early lead was extended by a three-pointer of Stratos Perperoglou in the second quarter to 28-17, and the home team maintained the lead thanks to blocks, steals and field goals of Borisa Simanic.
In the second half, Limoges narrowed the gap to just two points thanks to a three pointer of Isaiah Miles, but Billy Baron managed to lift Red Star and prevent a turnover. Simanic further scored a three-pointer to widen the gap to 53-47.
At the start of the final quarter, Jonathan Rousselle of Limoges endangered the lead of the home team with a field goal and a three-pointer, but Filip Covic increased the hosts' advantage once again with a three-pointer assisted by Dejan Davidovac, while Zirbes and Marko Keselj added three-pointers each for 68-58.
Keselj continued to pour down points to maintain the lead of his team and to secure victory.
Best in the winning team was Billy Baron with 13 points and 4 assists, followed by Covic with 12, while Zirbes and Simanic added 11 more points each. On the other side, Dwight Hardy scored 20 points for Limoges.
Red Star will play the next game in Spain against Unicaja, while Limoges will host Valencia.
