By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Firmly focused on its goal, even more after the break, Zenit Saint-Petersburg secured the 86-69 victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at Yubileyny Sports Palace.
Austin Hollins packed a game-high 15 points and Kevin Pangos paired 13 points with six assists on Friday. Tarik Black had 11 points against his former team. Will Thomas also generated 11 points. Mateusz Ponitka was responsible for 10 points in the ninth home win of the EuroLeague season.
“I don’t think I was the best player in the game,” pointed out Black, “It was truly a team effort. I play off them. I’m trying to get in the groove and my rhythm, so I play off them.”
Despite lacking real motivation, the guests guided by Ioannis Sfairopoulos kept themselves at a fighting distance through the first half of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 34 contest. The second half was a totally different story with Zenit’s dominating on both ends in the third period and building a safe lead.
Tyler Dorsey completed his second campaign in Europe’s premier club competition with 15 points. On a positive note for the Israeli powerhouse, Othello Hunter returned to action with three points and four rebounds in 19 minutes.
“We couldn’t pull it together,” admitted Dorsey, “They are a good team, and all game long, we couldn’t get defensive stops. We’ve got to keep moving, getting ready for the Israeli League and State Cup Finals. It wasn’t our year in the Euroleague this season. It’s been a rough year.”
The team coached by Xavi Pascual after improving to 19-14 will host Panathinaikos OPAP Monday. A potential win clinches its first EuroLeague playoff berth. FC Barcelona with the home-court advantage will take on Zenit or Valencia if the Grens spoil those plans.
“It’s only half the job for us. We have one more important game against Panathinaikos in three days,” said Ponitka shifting his focus to the next key fixture, “So we are happy now; it was a great job by the staff, our players, and the fans. But now everyone has to focus on the game in three days.”
“I am proud not only tonight but for all the season,” added Pascual, “Right now, with this win, we’re close. We have one more game to play. I think we’re having an excellent season. Monday, we’ll have another final. But tonight’s game was perfect, from defense to offense and how we approached the game, everything.”
The visiting side wrapped up its schedule falling to 14-20. Omri Casspi, Angelo Caloiaro, and Yovel Zoosman were sidelined.
“The game’s critical point came in the third period, scoring only 11 points while turning the ball 8 times, which led to easy points on the other end,” summed up Sfairopoulos, “From that point, it was really difficult to stop them. It wasn’t a good season for us, we need to be better and wiser next season.”