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Birmingham Bullets moved top of the NEBL Open Group A and maintained the only undbeaten record in the competition with a dramatic 96-99 victory at 08 Stockholm.It was a physical affair that left everyone involved feeling bruised and battered, even the fans. After a narrow three-point loss for the hosts last night to BC Kiev, the referees were once again extremely busy as 6 players fouling out before the final whistle blew.
With 08 establishing an early lead, 08 carried the play in the first half. Home power forward, Landry Kosmalski, led the charge with 12 before the half ended. 08 led 48:41 at the half and the undefeated Bullets looked frustrated as they struggled with early foul trouble. In fact, big man Danny Craven never really got into the flow of the game before he eventually fouled out in the fourth, leaving with just 16 minutes played.
The second half was a different story as Birmingham came out with guns blazing and charged back to erase the deficit at half time. Inspired play from Brant Bailey and active-again Rashod Johnson edged the Cup finalists ahead in the fourth as they spread the lead to more than 5 at one point.
08 battled back and had several opportunities in the dying minutes to grab hold of victory but either turnovers or personal fouls plagued the home team. Despite the problems, 08 had a last second chance to tie when Tolga Tekinalp released a three at the buzzer but it clanged off the iron as Lance Randall's side picked up a fourth win, Bailey and Johnson hitting 24 and 18 respectively.
Bullets now face Magic Great Danes at Aston Villa on Saturday, the Danish outfit 62-82 winners at Mitteldeutscher on Wednesday.
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