Turkish Airlines Euroleague: CSKA Moscow and Olympiacos lose
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 26 week closed for business on Friday as the final four games were played out. Unics Kazan continued to be bang out form as Zalgiris Kaunas visited and picked up a win. Barcelona’s torrid continental campaign continued as the Spanish giant fell on the road to Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul. CSKA Moscow could not take first place as the Russian club slipped on the road to Baskonia Vitoria, and finally Olympiacos was stunned at home by Galatasaray.
Unics Kazan vs. Zalgiris Kaunas, 80-82
The woeful form of Unics Kazan continued Friday in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague. The Russian teams was narrowly dismissed at home by a Zalgiris Kaunas that has been resurgent in recent weeks. The loss puts Unics 7-19 at the foot of the standings and on a terrible nine game losing streak. Zalgiris on the other hand is performing well, winning three from its last four to move to 12-14. Keith Langford continues to pile in the buckets as the EuroLeague’s top scorer, he helped himself to 27 points in this game and is now 22.3ppg. However, he cannot drive Unics to victory it seems.
Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul vs. FC Barcelona Lassa, 67-56
Barcelona’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season is a disaster. It is clear this is a team in transition and it was shown again on Friday as Darussafaka eased passed the former champs. Barcelona cannot find consistency and the club is now 11th place on a 10-16 record. Darussafaka has recovered from its shaky form in January and is now at 13-13. A low scoring first quarter handed Barca an early 11-13 lead. However, the hosts blew the game apart in the second act with a 32-9 run. From there the Istanbul club cruised to victory.
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Olympiacos Piraeus vs. Galatasaray Istanbul, 71-80
Galatasaray travelled to Greece and stunned former EuroLeague champ Olympiacos on Friday. The Turkish EuroCup holders move to 9-17 on this win, but are still struggling in the standings. As for Olympiacos, the club missed a chance to tie second and is now on 17-9. The hosts cruised through the first half and led 48-35 at the long break. However, Galatasaray tightened in defense in the second half and picked up points offensively to shock Olympiacos down the straight.
Baskonia Vitoria vs. CSKA Moscow, 79-78
CSKA Moscow dropped the chance to move into sole possession of first place as the reigning champs fell by a single point in Vitoria. The Spanish team improved to 15-11 on this win, while CSKA ties with Real Madrid in first with a 19-7 record. Baskonia looked to be in charge through thirty minutes, the hosts holding a 61-54 advantage. However, CSKA roared back into contention and pushed the hosts all the way to the final seconds of the game.