By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Red hot Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul finishes January perfect in EuroLeague after taking down FC Barcelona Lassa at home with 86-82 in Round 20.
Fenerbahce‘s win-sealing duo for tonight was Nicolo Melli and Brad Wanamaker. Wanamaker‘s performance in the first half was nearly perfect (13 points, 88% FG), while he stepped in in the crucial moment with a set of free throws, leading the team with 24 points overall. The Italian big man celebrated his birthday on the court and finished the game with an overwhelming presence which was combined with 23 points and three rebounds.
Melli‘s compelling power in the paint, combined with Fenerbahce’s quick response to Barcelona’s comeback in the last seconds, played a key role in order to stop the visitors’ offensive crescendo.
Barcelona’s shooting from the three-point line kept them competitive during the first half (the Catalan side even kept the upper hand with 44-42 at halftime with Koponen -who had 3/3 from the arch- on fire), yet it wasn’t enough when the game was set to be decided towards the end.
It is to be noted that Nikola Kalinic was included in Obradovic‘s roster for the first time after Round 14, yet he didn’t receive any playing time.
The winners improve to a 14-6 record, while the playoffs race seems to have become unapproachable for Barcelona that now stands at 7-13.