By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv nearly dropped a 15-point lead before prevailing, 82-78, against Fenerbahce Beko with both head coaches naturally experimenting in Rhodes Friday.
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague outfits moved training camps to Greece and launched the Nick Galis International Tournament. The third participant, Panathinaikos will face Fener tomorrow and Maccabi Sunday.
Wade Baldwin IV paved the way for the team coached by Oded Kattash to win the opening game of the preseason tournament. The 27-year-old guard logged a game-high 16 points. Lorenzo Brown and Bonzie Colson chipped in ten points apiece.
On the opposite end, Sertac Sanli ended up with 15 points, combining with fellow center Giorgos Papagiannis through large chunks of the 40 minutes under the guidance of Dimitris Itoudis. Scottie Wilbekin registered 11 points.
Overcoming a sluggish start, the Tel Aviv outfit gained control for the entire second half and built a 15-point advantage. The lead was reduced to shooting distance late in the fourth quarter, but the comeback fell short.
Next stops in Nicosia and Moscow
Following Rhodes, Maccabi will travel to Cyprus. Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and Olympiacos will be the friendly rivals in Nicosia at the end of next week. A home game opposite Partizan Mozzart Bet will open the 2023-24 EuroLeague schedule on October 5.
The team based in Istanbul will conclude the preseason in Moscow, participating in the 2023 VTB SuperCup Thursday through Sunday. The EuroLeague opener is against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on October 6.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net