Turkish Airlines EuroLeague: Round 28 recap
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague regular season is winding down. On Thursday Round 28 tipped off with just two more rounds of actions to be played. Seven of the eight playoff places are taken and several clubs are already eliminated. Still, 8th place is proving to be the center of excitement during the final weeks as the position remains opens for a few clubs.
While eliminated clubs are essentially playing dead rubbers, qualified teams are jostling for position in the quest for home advantage in the playoffs.
Crvena Zvezda Belgrade vs. Fenerbahce Istanbul, 63-80
Defending Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champs Fenerbahce punished Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade with some clinical shooting from beyond the arc. The visitors claimed its 11th win in 13 and solidified second position with a 20-9 record. Crvena Zvezda is already out and now moves down to 11-17 on this loss.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Panathinaikos Athens, 75-76
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season has fallen apart. Just a few weeks ago the club was in the all-important 8th position. However, four consecutive losses means the Israeli champ will slip out of the competition next week. This loss to Panathianikos saw Tel Aviv drop to 13-15. As for Panathinaikos, the Athens club moves up to 17-11 in a tie for fourth.
Real Madrid vs. Zalgiris Kaunas, 88-81
Both these high-flying teams entered this contest on the same 16-11 record and with qualification already in the bag. During the game, Real Madrid used home advantage to down Zalgiris and move to 17-11 in fourth place, while Kaunas slips to sixth with a 16-12 record. Both clubs will be fighting in the playoffs but finishing the regular season well is vital to maintain momentum.