By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi Tel Aviv saw a 14-point deficit (48 – 34) getting chewed by Baskonia but stood its ground well enough down the stretch to win 74 – 68 and make the 2/2 in EuroLeague.
Meanwhile, Baskonia remained winless after two games on the road and will look to bounce back next week at home against Valencia.
The Star: Norris Cole was more than simply the top scorer, facilitator, and performer for Maccabi thanks to his game-high 24 points (6/14) plus 5 assists for 22 in PIR. The American guard pulled off some decisive crunch time plays to repel the comeback of Baskonia and show leadership qualities down the stretch.
When the Basques approached 68 – 64 with 1:35 remaining, he scored the transition lay-up then went perfect from the line and found Alex Tyus on the pick n roll with the latter putting his team up with a game-winning lead, 74 – 68 with 24 seconds left.
French revolution: Although reported to be “out indefinitely” earlier this week not only did Rodrigue Beaubois travel to Tel Aviv but almost led his team to a road win. Roddy made buckets indeed, finishing with a team-high 22 points but his team didn’t manage to turn the tables completely.
Say hello to Luka Vildoza: In his EuroLeague debut, 22-year-old Argentinian Luka Vildoza was one of the main characters behind Baskonia’s comeback with 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists 2 steals in 13:10 plus some great defensive interventions.
Photo: Dov Halickman