Euroleague: Darussafaka defeats Fenerbahce in Istanbul derby

The pre-Christmas Euroleague programed continued on Wednesday with four contests. The day’s events also wrapped Round 13 of the competition and we now look towards Round 14 on Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, CSKA Moscow continued to assert its dominance, while Panathinaikos eased to a comfortable win. Elsewhere, Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul continued its impressive campaign, while Baskonia continued its unlikely run in the Euroleague.

Fenerbahce Istanbul vs. Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul, 64-71

A typically hot Istanbul derby saw Darussafaka take out Fenerbahce in an impressive win on its rival’s floor. The win moved Darussafaka to 7-6, while Fenerbahce’s recent patchy form is telling as the club has slipped to fifth with an 8-6 record. This was narrow throughout, with the guests holding a 48-50 lead through thirty minutes. Darussafaka got the job done with a winning fourth act. Scottie Wilbekin led the win with 22 points, followed by Will Clyburn with 20 points.

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs. Panathinaikos Athens, 72-86

Panathinaikos joins Fenerbahce on 8-6 after a comfortable road win over Milan. The Greek giant was too strong for long periods, especially in the second quarter when an 8-24 run laid the foundations for success. Italian champs Milan attempted a late rally with thirty fourth quarter points, but fell short by a distance. Milan is falling through the standings and now has 4-9. Mike James paced the victory with 19 points for Panathinaikos.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. CSKA Moscow, 76-80

A traditional clash between two Euroleague former champions and powerhouses. However, these clubs are currently in different places. Tel Aviv is transitioning and inconsistent, while CSKA Moscow is the current champ and thriving. However, Tel Aviv put up a strong showing at home, but ultimately the Russian hosts were too good and moved to 12-1 at the top of the league. Maccabi Tel Aviv is down on 5-8 in the bottom half. The hosts led 59-58 at the final split, but in the fourth act CSKA stayed calm and snatched it in the final minutes.

Baskonia Vitoria vs. Barcelona, 65-62

This all-Spanish clash was a tense and tactical affair that was reflected by the scoreboard. Barcelona’s recent woes continued as Baskonia snatched a home win. Vitoria is now tied second with Real Madrid at 9-4, and will think it is a title contender after beating many of the continent’s giants this season. Barcelona, another title contender is struggling on 5-8. Barca led 24-30 through the long break, but Baskonia took the momentum in the third quarter and pushed it all the way to the final buzzer.