LJUBLJANA, Slovenia (CMC):
Jamaican guard Maurice Bailey ended a successful year with Union Olimpija, when he helped them to their second title this season, after they stopped Helios Domzale 3-1 in the Slovenian National Cup.
The victory ensured that Olimpija, who also won the Slovenian League, collected the necessary points that allow them to get a new three-year deal to play in the highly regarded Euroleague.
Bailey joined Union Olimpija during the summer 2006 from Russian team Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu and has helped the club continue their dominance in Slovenian basketball.
Best-of-five final
Olimpija opened the best-of-five final series with a comfortable 87-64 victory over Helios.
After 10 minutes of it Bailey's team were already ahead by 10 points and they continued to build on their lead throughout the rest of the game. Helios were more competitive on home turf and they squeaked out a 93-88 victory in the second game.
Olimpija led by three points at the beginning of the last quarter, but Helios finished with a 27-19 scoring in the final period to draw level in the series.
Bailey and his teammates answered all questions about their quality, when they stormed back to take the third game in commanding fashion, 99-81.
Olimpija outplayed Helios and the Jamaican was at the heart of the win with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Olimpija made sure home advantage did not work for Helios in the fourth game and they came away with an 84-60 win to celebrate their 14th title in domestic championship.