Euroleague: Zalgiris Kaunas tops CSKA Moscow

Euroleague

This week is another of busy Euroleague action with two rounds happening over the next four days. With back to back contests, the clubs have a chance to improve their positions in the standings or indeed tumble down the league. Round 19 of the Euroleague tipped off on Tuesday with four game with shocks and big wins aplenty.

Unics Kazan vs. Fenerbahce Istanbul, 81-86

Fenerbahce kept up its momentum with a road win over Unics Kazan that allows the Turkish champs to move to 12-7 in the chasing pack for top spot. Unics on the other hands slips to 7-12. Fenerbahce managed to stay one step ahead for long periods and led 34-39 at halftime. The guests maintained the momentum continued in the second half as the visitors took the win. Fener largely built this win by stopping the Euroleague top scorer, Keith Langford, to just 11 points.

Galatasaray Istanbul vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv, 102-63

Another Istanbul club tasted victory on Tuesday as Galatasaray tore apart former champions Maccabi Tel Aviv. The reigning EuroCup champs moved off bottom to 6-13, while Tel Aviv slipped to the same record. The hosts drained 52 points in the first half and kept up a relentless scoring rhythm in the second half to cruise to victory. Jon Diebler paced the win with 21 points, while Alex Tyus added 18 points.

Zalgiris Kaunas vs. CSKA Moscow, 79-74

The shock of the day came in Lithuania as Zalgiris Kaunas took out reigning Euroleague champs CSKA Moscow. The truth is, CSKA is in a blip and has lost four games in as many weeks, even if a few wins have been thrown in during that time. However, the club’s early season form means it holds on to top spot with a 14-5 record. Zalgiris moved to 7-12 after coming back from a 57-61 deficit through thirty minutes.

Panathinaikos Athens vs. FC Barcelona, 71-65

Barcelona is simply in awful form on the continent this season. The club lost again this evening, although admittedly to Greek giant and fellow former Euroleague champ Panathinaikos. Barca has lost three of its last four and is now firmly in the bottom half of the standings with an 8-11 record. Panathinaikos on the other hand is remaining consistent at 11-8. Ioannis Bourousis led the win with a double-double 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.