By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Two teams, Anadolu Efes and Real Madrid share first place with EuroLeague Regular Season Round 18 in the books in which only two home teams managed to defend their gym.
The big “W” out of the two standings leaders came from the Turkish side and was powered by our MVP of the Round.
Eurohoops MVP
Shane Larkin
Shane Larkin producing a big performance in Spain versus FC Barcelona, assured the jump to 15-3. The Miami alum added on his imposing 2019-20 run with a game-high 26 points, also posted five boards, five assists, and a couple of steals. Earned nine fouls as well with opponents struggling to keep up.
Eurohoops Best Five
- Shane Larkin: Another MVP outing.
- Mike James: Taking it to FC Bayern Munich with a game-high 27 points along with seven dimes and five rebounds.
- Sasha Vezenkov: In desperate need of a win, Olympiacos saw the 24-year-old forward set multiple personal-bests with 17 points, seven rebounds, and 20 PIR.
- Will Thomas: Slim road victory for Zenit Saint-Petersburg as well with the former George Mason standout making 7/8 from the field for 20 points, also pulled down eight rebounds.
- Vladimir Stimac: Game-high 21 points behind a perfect 8/8 field goals and a block at the buzzer kept Crvena Zvezda mts on the winning track.
Coach of the week: Giannis Sfairopoulos
Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv recovered from a two-game losing streak in Europe’s premier club competition, getting the job done at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. No secrets here with Giannis Sfairopoulos confidently guiding the Israeli outlet in the top portion of the standings. Still undefeated at home after eight games, a 4-6 W-L tally on the road sends his team to a fourth-place tie with CSKA Moscow.
The big issue: Khimki drops out of the top eight
The competitive EuroLeague field will force some strong squads out of the playoffs. Khimki Moscow Region does not want to miss out on the postseason, but three straight losses are not helping. Any home defeat hurts, but a different kind of sting comes when losing to Zenit Saint-Petersburg that was only 4-13 coming into the Mytishchi Arena.