Euroleague Playoffs welcome CSKA Moscow
After Real Madrid qualified for the Euroleague Playoffs on Thursday, two teams from Group F had the chance to repeat the feat on Friday. Both Olympiacos and CSKA Moscow could punch their tickets to the next round, but only one of the clubs managed to do it.
So, joining Madrid in the Euroleague Playoffs is CSKA Moscow after the Russian giant overcame Anadolu Efes Istanbul at home. As for Olympiacos, they were gunned down by a Fenerbahce team that is currently firing on all cylinders. In the other two games on Friday, Zalgiris Kaunas claimed a Euroleague milestone in Group E with a win over Panathinaikos, while Group F club Emporio Armani Milan rounded off the action with a win over Unicaja Malaga.
Group E.
Zalgiris Kaunas vs. Panathinaikos Athens, 76-70
Panathinaikos had the chance to tie third place in Group E with a road win, but Zalgiris kept itself firmly in the hunt in the chasing pack with a pivotal home win. Indeed, it was also a historic victory as the Lithuanian powerhouse notched its 100th victory in the Euroleague this century. It was tight down the stretch as the scoreboard locked three times in the fourth quarter, but in the end the hosts claimed the success to move to a 4-6 record for a tie in fifth place. Panathinaikos holds onto fourth place but now has an even 5-5 showing.
Group F
CSKA Moscow vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul, 88-83
CSKA Moscow came through a tricky home test against Anadolu Efes to book its place in the Euroleague Playoffs alongside Real Madrid. The Russian team used the win to move to an 8-2 alongside both Olympiacos and Fenerbahce in Group F, while Anadolu Efes stays in fourth place with a 4-6 record. A 22-12 streak in the second quarter was enough to give the hosts the lead for good as CSKA worked behind the scoring of Milos Teodosic, who nailed 20 points and dished out 9 assists during the game.
Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, 64-73
Fenerbahce’s amazing form continued as the Turkish club downed Olympiacos in Greece, the kind of victory that will make Europe’s giants sit up and take notice. After 7 consecutive wins and 9 consecutive road wins in this competition, the Istanbul club is positioning itself for a shot at the Euroleague title. Fener now tops Group F on a head to head record, sharing the same record with CSKA and Olympiacos. Andrew Goudelock set the tone for the winners with 24 points, while a solid 55% success rate from beyond the arc kept a consistent base of triples flowing for the Turks.
EA7 Milan vs. Unicaja Malaga, 90-86
Italian champions EA7 Milan gave their qualification chances a major shot in the arm by taking out Unicaja Malaga at home. The win pushed Milan to a 3-7 record, leaving behind Malaga in last place with a 2-8 record and time is really starting to run out for the Spanish league leaders. Malaga held a 43-45 lead through the long break, but a 24-15 reverse in the third act gave the initiative to the hosts and Milan simply never looked back, even riding a tough fourth-quarter rally from Unicaja.