By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The decision for a change in direction came after a series of unsatisfactory results, leading Fenerbahce Beko to part ways with Dimitris Itoudis and appoint Jasikevicius.
The “shock therapy” immediately yielded positive results, as Fenerbahce secured a win against Monaco at Ulker Sports Arena with a final score of 86-74. Jasikevicius’ tenure has started in the best possible way for the team.
Nigel Hayes Davis led the winning side with 23 points and six rebounds for a PIR of 25. Scottie Wilbekin followed with 13 points and five assists for a PIR of 19, while Marko Guduric also finished in double figures with 10 points. I
nterestingly, all the players that Jasikevicius used—10 in total, with Melih Mahmutoglu and Tarik Biberovic staying on the bench—got their names on the scoresheet.
Mike James held his ground on the road, sparking a potential comeback with his three-pointers. However, his impressive performance of 24 points, five rebounds, and three assists wasn’t enough for Sasa Obradovic‘s team in Istanbul, where Fenerbahce remains undefeated this season with a 6-0 record at home.
The issue for the guests was that James lacked support from his teammates, as only Elie Okobo finished in double digits, scoring 14 points.
“Playing against a team like Fenerbahçe with very high-quality players is not easy, and this is quite obvious. The main reason for our loss today was the offensive rebounds we gave away. It was impossible to win a game where we were so dominated in rebounds,” Obradovic commented on the game.
Fenerbahce’s rebounding domination and James flying solo
Fenerbahce took control midway through the first period and led for the rest of the match. Monaco, especially James, fought well, and on a couple of occasions, threatened to take over. However, the hosts always found a way to push the guests back and remain in front.
In the third period, Fenerbahce showcased great defense, and Hayes Davis delivered an outstanding offensive performance, doubling his halftime tally with eight points in that quarter. Despite the Roca team finding more offensive space in the final 10 minutes after scoring just 12 points in the third period, Fenerbahce remained determined. A crucial moment came with Sertac Sanli’s three-pointer, which, with 99 seconds on the clock, extended their lead to 82-70. This proved to be enough for Fenerbahce to secure the win.
“A significant victory against a very good team. I have truly taken charge of a well-coached and experienced team. What I did today was simply to assist the players in translating what they have been working on with Dimitris onto the court,” Jasikevicius said after his successful debut.
Jasikevicius’ debut win was ultimately underlined by total control of rebounds, with his side grabbing 47 compared to Monaco’s 28. Interestingly, Nick Calathes had the most, finishing the game with 10 boards (career-high stays 13). Fenerbahce also recorded 21 assists, nine more than their guests.
“I was fortunate with the rebounds; the balls always seemed to fall my way. I focused on paying attention to these details to support my team, and I was fortunate today,” Calathes said after the match.
What comes next?
Jasikevicius and Fenerbahce’s next stop is Turk Telekom on December 17, where he’ll make his BSL debut. Following that, they have another EuroLeague double week, facing Zalgiris at home on December 20 and ALBA Berlin away on December 22.
Monaco will attempt to bounce back against Roanne in BetClic ELITE on December 17. Afterward, they will face Panathinaikos at Gaston Medecin on December 20 and Bayern on the road on December 22 in a EuroLeague double week.
Photo: euroleaguebasketball.net