Euroleague: CSKA Moscow beats Real Madrid and Galatasaray breaks duck
There were only three Euroleague contests on Friday, but those games were worth waiting for. The encounters threw up everything from huge wins, giant clashes, single point victories, surprises, and jubilation.
CSKA Moscow clashed with and defeated Real Madrid in a game between the last two champions of the competition. Fenerbahce’s recent decline in form was echoed by an embarrassing loss at the hands of Baskonia. Galatasaray also claimed a win over Olympiacos, snapping an unwanted record in the process.
CSKA Moscow vs. Real Madrid 91-90
CSKA Moscow has been in impervious form this season and headed into this contest with a 5-0 winning record. The 2016 Euroleague champs have warmed to this new season format well. The Russian club is looking good to defend its crown, but its biggest test of the campaign would come against Real Madrid. Indeed, this could well be the final of the 2016/2017 Euroleague when the Final Four descends upon Istanbul next May.
The hosts looked formidable in the first half, amassing a 49-38 lead built on a 32-12 run in an impressive second quarter. Real Madrid looked better in the third act, Los Blancos wrestled the momentum and reduced the deficit to five points through three quarters, 73-68. The guests continued to rally in the fourth, making sure the game reached a thrilling climax. The visitors had the chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but Sergio Llull missed his triple effort.
Nando De Colo stepped up in the win, showing why he is the current Euroleague MVP. The Frenchman scored 28 points and pulled in 6 rebounds. Milos Teodosic collected 15 points and 8 assists, while Nikita Kurbanov added 13 points and 8 boards.
Despite missing to tie the game, Llull topped Real Madrid with 21 points and 7 assists, while Jaycee Carroll claimed 13 points.
Baskonia Vitoria vs. Fenerbahce Istanbul, 86-52
After winning its first four games of the season, Fenerbahce’s form has fallen over a cliff. The Turkish double champion and last season’s Euroleague runner up was destroyed here on the road in Spain. Of course, Fenerbahce is notable for have these kinds of peaks and troughs during a campaign. All credit to Baskonia, however, as the club showed again it has the tools to be a genuine title contender. Both clubs now join a growing number of clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Panathinaikos, and Darussafaka) on 4-2 behind CSKA Moscow (6-0). Baskonia made this win in the middle quarters, nailing 53 points in Q2 and Q3 to stun Fenerbahce and overwhelm the Turks.
Shane Larkin, Andrea Bargnani, and Johannes Voightmann secured 13 points each for Baskonia, with Larkin adding 6 assists and Voightmann 8 rebounds.
Fenerbahce’s torrid performance was highlighted by the fact no player registered double figures on the scoreboard. The Turkish club heads home with a lot of questions being asked.
Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Olympiacos Piraeus, 89-97
While one Istanbul club is searching for answers, another is breathing a sigh of relief. EuroCup holders Galatasaray edged out Greek giant Olympiacos in a hugely important game. In victory, the club collected its first win in this season’s competition, moving to 1-5. Olympiacos is in decent form, but will need to improve. Still, this game could have gone either way, but the hosts held a six point lead through thirty minutes and rode out an Olympiacos rally in the fourth.
Justin Dentmon urged the winners with 22 points, followed by Jon Diebler with 17 points and Austin Daye with 16 points. Sinan Gular added 12 rebounds to the win.
Vangelis Mantzaris paced the losing effort with 19 points, while Georgios Printezis with 17 point, and Kehm Birch with 16 points. Matt Lojeski scored 15 points and Vassillis Spanoulis offered 14 points and 8 assists.