By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
An outstanding team effort and James Nunnally’s game-winning block on Alec Peters’ three-point attempt with just nine seconds remaining called game for Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at home as the team prevailed over Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz with a 94-93 victory for their Round 19 makeup game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
After an intense battle full of lead changes down the final period, John DiBartolomeo and Scottie Wilbekin stepped up big time for Maccabi hitting two three-pointers in the final minute, allowing the hosts to retain a one-point advantage. Wade Baldwin failed to convert from the three-point line with five seconds remaining, while he took turns with Wilbekin at the stripe to determine the final result.
Nunnally and Ante Zizic led the Israeli side with 21 points each and Wilbekin stepped up late to contribute 17 points and 6 rebounds, as Maccabi now makes a strong push for the playoffs with a 12-13 record.
“I’m happy we won the game because we really worked hard to win this game in practices”, said Maccabi coach Avi Even. “The guys really wanted this game, especially because it was here before our fans. I’m happy because we came back after two losses that we crashed. It’s a good sign for us, but it’s only a win, we have to keep going”
Baldwin neared his season-best with 27 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds for Baskonia which has now dropped its seventh straight game to fall to a 7-18 record.
Rokas Giedraitis added 15 points for the visiting side, Matthew Costello had 11 points and 7 rebounds and Simone Fontecchio contributed 10 points.
Photo credit: EuroLeague