The 28th round of the Euroleague started tonight (Thursday) with a number of intriguing encounters. In the shadow of the war between Russia and Ukraine, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s game against Zenit St. Petersburg was postponed, as was the match between Onyx Kazan and Villarban. Although the Tel Avivians did not play, they watched a number of meetings that would affect them in the battle for a place in the top 8.
Alba Berlin (10:16) – Zalgiris Kaunas (6:20) 74:82
It did not start easily for Tamir Blatt and his teammates, and the first quarter ended in 24:24, but a good run in the second quarter gave them a 14-point lead at the half. Nevan Spahija’s trainees did not say desperate, fought throughout the second half and managed to narrow the gap to four points with one and a half minutes left. The Germans were sharper in the decisive moments and managed to maintain the advantage and achieve an important home victory.
Tamir Blatt continued his wonderful ability from the team game, delivering seven assists and scoring five points. The Israeli was even on the floor in the final minutes and contributed to his team in Money Time. Alba is ranked 14th, while Lithuanians are in 18th and last place.
Andulo Zero (14:12) – Fenerbahce (12:13) 79:84
The Istanbul derby ended in a victory for the hosts. The home team came after the crushing 77: 109 over Maccabi Tel Aviv, while Fener came after losing 74:69 to the Red Star Belgrade. Andulo started the game well and in the half was already leading 25:41. Celia Mitchic excelled with 24 points and three assists while Rodrigue Boa added his own 20 points. Canadian Dayson Pierre excelled for the visitors with 19 points, which did not help his team.
The Blues’ win put them in seventh place with 12 wins, while Fener is ranked 11th with 12 wins. Maccabi Tel Aviv also has 12 victories, and they are competing with the Turks for a place in the top eight.
Red Star Belgrade (11:15) – Basconia (7:19) 83:86
The home team had a very hard time against the Spaniards, but finally came out with their hand on the top when they won 83:86. The visitors finished the first quarter with a 13:26 advantage, but the Reds provided a great second quarter and the scoreboard showed 41:41 at the half. The fourth quarter opened with a point advantage for Basconia, and at the end of the thriller the Serbs managed to withstand the pressure, were precise from the penalty line and delighted the home crowd with a narrow and important victory.
Luca Mitrovic stood out in the host ranks with 18 points, while Italian Simona Pontcio stood out in Nevan Spahija’s men with 19. The victory of the Serbs put them in 13th place, while the guest only in 17th and penultimate place.
Barcelona (5:20) – Monaco (13:14) 83:88
The Catalans did not plan to have a hard time tonight in front of the group from the princesses, but plans aside and reality aside. The table leader was dragged to tense and close final minutes against the French, who for their part were left with only the compliments.
Dante Axum stood out for the host with 20 points and five assists and was the outstanding player on the floor. On the French side, Mike James continued his wonderful ability with 19 points, with 13 seconds to go he stitched a three that narrowed the gap to just three points. Unfortunately, Axum Dyke twice from the line and determined the outcome of the game. Barcelona remained in first place, Monaco eighth.