By Alex Madrid / info@eurohoops.net
Fenerbahce escaped with a huge win (86 – 83) paying back the “Whites” for the defeat that they suffered in late December. The Turkish side is now closer to secure a playoff spot as they have 17 victories in 24 games.
Kostas Sloukas was just unstoppable. The Greek point guard led the defending champions with a delightful performance. He didn’t just control the pace but also made the three-pointer and two clutch free throws that decided the game. With the clock running down Sloukas made the score 84 – 78 to close an epic second half, where he scored all his 20 points and registered a season-high. Gigi Datome had 17 points for the winners and James Nunnally also contributed with 16
Madrid went into a late 0-5 run and had a chance to tie the game. Luka Doncic tried to get a foul-call while shooting from halfcourt but he missed and there was no call.
Fenerbahce got the win after more than two hours and there’s a reason why. Both teams combined for 29 fouls during the first 20 minutes, with Zeljko Obradovic‘s team committing 19. Real Madrid took advantage of this situation scoring 20-of-24(!) from the line to take a 40 – 45 lead at the break. But Fenerbahce overcame the deficit in the second period.
Real Madrid was paced, once again, by the backcourt. Jaycee Caroll led his team in scoring with 15 while the potential no. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, Luka Doncic finished with 14 and 4 assists.