By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
A crucial battle for the top of the standings took place in Lithuania. Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul defeated Zalgiris Kaunas 78-85 in a game decided in the fourth quarter.
Fenerbahce went up ahead (65-66) just for the second time with a 10-4 run. With 1:51 to go, the defending champs had a three-point lead (71-74). Kostas Sloukas scored a three-pointer and assisted Luigi Datome who scored a mid-range shot on the following possession to put Zeljko Obradovic’s team up by eight (71-79). That play practically sealed the outcome.
Sloukas finished the with 15 points (7/7 FT) and five assists. Nikola Kalinic was also impressive for the Turkish team as he put up 12 points and six assists. Luigi Datome added 16 points.
Despite playing well in the second half, Kevin Pangos saw limited minutes due to his three early fouls. He finished with 14 points trying to keep his team in the game, but couldn’t. Paulius Jankunas added 15.
A perfect all-around start to the game from Jasikevicius’ team gave a double-digit lead to the home side (18-7). In the second half, however, Obradovic’s team answered, finding ways to convert offensively and finishing the game with 25 assists.
Fenerbahce Dogus improved to a 17-7 record, qualifying for the playoffs, while Zalgiris Kaunas slipped to 15-10 to tie with Real Madrid in the standings.
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