By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
ALBA Berlin snapped back from a three-game skid to take down Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv 91-86 at home in Round 12 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague after outlasting a big comeback in the second half.
The hosts held on to a 10-point lead after the first half (45-35) but saw Maccabi chipping in away in the second, to make it a two-point game in the fourth quarter. Former Maccabi guard/forward Yovel Zoosman called the game for the German team with back-to-back threes in crunchtime to save the day and help ALBA improve to a 4-8 record.
Marcus Eriksson led the efforts of the hosts with 19 points, Christ Koumadje tapped 12 points and Maodo Lo had 11 points and 5 rebounds.
“It was a really big game for us. A tough game, a lot of emotions on the court. They made a couple of pushes to try to come back in the second half, so I’m very proud of the guys that we were able to keep them at some points difference, even if it was very close. We played very well tonight and I’m happy. Scoring 91 points is good for us, and especially we played with good rhythm. That’s what got us those good three-point shots”, said Eriksson after the win.
Scottie Wilbekin posted a game-high performance with 22 points and 5 assists for Maccabi, Ante Zizic followed with 17 points, Derrick Williams had 15 and James Nunnally added 10. Even though Maccabi outscored ALBA in the second half, they suffered their second consecutive defeat to fall to a 7-5 record, in a tie with CSKA Moscow.
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