A tremendous first quarter helped propel BC Prievidza to a straight-forward 89-70 away win at seven-time Bulgarian champions Balkan Botevgrad. The “Miners” improve to 2-0 in FIBA Europe Cup group stage play and will host Spanish ACB outfit Bilbao Basket in a clash of unbeaten teams next Tuesday.

We can only guess what Head Coach Saša Jankovič and Assistant Coach Michal Suriak told the team inside the locker room before tip-off in beautiful but sparsely filled Arena Botevgrad. We do not know the details of the scouting reports that video analyst Maroš Helmecy provided on the opposition. The specifics of Strength & Conditioning Coach Enric Orozco’s warm-up routine or Skills and Player Development Coach Will Barnes’ extra work with the players when nobody is watching. The efforts of physio Stania Gogová, team doctor Tómaš Bakoš and staff members Ladislav Kmet and Vladimir Bujna to keep everybody healthy, fit and hydrated.

What we do know is that on this Wednesday in Bulgaria, the hosts – seven-time domestic champions and perennial participants in European competitions, mind you – could not match BC Prievidza’s level of preparation and readiness for game time. A C.J. Jackson floater show, seven quick points from Remu Raitanen and the customary Keith Jordan rim assaults had the guests score 21 unanswered points and saw them jump out to an early 23-2(!!!) lead.

By sending this unambiguous message right from the get-go, BC dealt another blow to a Balkan team already short on confidence after a complicated start to their season. For the remainder of the contest, Prievidza more or less maintained a 20-point gap and despite losing focus now and then avoided a major Balkan rally.

Daishon Smith came close to what is called a perfect game in baseball. He knocked down nine of his 13 shot attempts, some of which Steph-esque makes off the dribble, while adding six rebounds, six assists and five steals. Remu Raitanen delivered his best all-around performance in a Prievidza jersey, posting 19 points and seven rebounds while looking solid defensively. C.J. Jackson came close to a double-double with 12 points and nine dimes, topping his squad with a +37 plus minus rating. Keith Jordan was his usual highflying and efficient self, finishing with 20 points and six boards.

Now the entire city of Prievidza finds itself in eager anticipation of the top of the group table duel with Spanish heavyweights Bilbao Basket next Tuesday. But “Not so fast!”, as ESPN college football analyst Lee Corso would counter. On Sunday afternoon, a young, hungry and dangerous BC Komárno team awaits on the Hungarian border. Preparation will be key again as the fixture schedule starts to resemble NBA standards.