U-BT Cluj-Napoca, the 5th consecutive qualification in the final of the National League »Mihai Silvășan's band passed in 3 matches by CS Vâlcea 1924

One of the semifinals of the National Men's Basketball League has faced the U-BT Cluj-Napoca, the group that awarded its title in the last four editions, and CS Vâlcea 1924, the “revelation” of the season.

Contrary to the games of the regular season, the first two matches of the series were very unbalanced. Transylvanians won two victories at 20 points (105-85, 93-73) and went to Râmnicu Vâlcea with the high morale and eager to play a single match in the “Traian” hall.

Complicated match for U-BT Cluj-Napoca on CS Vâlcea's land 1924

The duel on the land of CS Vâlcea 1924, however, was much more balanced. After a good start of the guests, the hosts set their way and, at the break, had a 50% percentage at 3 -point throw (8/16). However, U-BT stayed close and, after 20 minutes, the score was 42-40 for “black wolves”.

The situation changed after returning from the locker rooms, when Mihai Silvășan's students started throwing excellent remote. The champion en-titre succeeded a partial of 13-1 in the third quarter and took control of the game.

However, U-BT players did not succeed in being constant and lost important advantages. This was also due to the combat of which CS Vâlcea, who fought until the last seconds of the match.

Finally, after an end with many mistakes on both sides, U-BT Cluj-Napoca imposed with 81-77, closed the series (3-0) and qualified for the 5th time in the LNBM semifinals.

Mihai Silvășan: “It was a much harder match than those from Cluj-Napoca”

Zavier Simpson (20 points, 7 recovery, 6 decisive passes) had an impressive new benefit, followed by Zach Hankins (18 points, 11 recovery) and Patrick Richard (16 points).

On the other side, Cornelius Hudson, the host of the hosts, was held at only 9 points, the protagonists being Eral Penn (14 points) and Kadre Gray, Rareș Uță and Talon Cooper with 12 points.

I am very glad that we are in the final, we wanted to finish the series after the first match here. I succeeded, even though it was a much harder match than those in Cluj-Napoca. Our three-point throwing did not work as in Cluj-Napoca, but a good team has to find solutions to defeat, regardless of the conditions in which we were, especially offensive.

We must defend ourselves, try to give easy baskets, recover and make an effort. I did this, I controlled the match to a large extent, even though they fought and wanted the victory. I did not leave them and here the series ends, we go on. We will rest and expect our opponent from the final!

-Mihai Silvășan, the coach of U-BT Cluj-Napocaaccording to the official website of the club

In the other semifinal championship, The score between CSM CSU Oradea and CSO Voluntari is 1-1. After two matches in Oradeathe series moves to Voluntari, the two parties in the “Gabriela Szabo” hall taking place on Friday, May 23, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, May 25, at 8:00 pm.