By Eurohooops team / info@eurohoops.net
Zenit St. Petersburg outlasted a tough battle against feisty Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and prevailed over with an 84-81 victory in Round 15 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, thanks to a game-winner three-point shot by Andrew Albicy with three seconds remaining in the game!
“I am so happy I got this win for us because we need that for confidence for the next game. This is an amazing feeling. You feel like the best player in the world. I hope I will keep doing like that and we will keep winning games”, said Albicy after the game.
Mateusz Ponitka led the winners with 16 points, eight assists, and three rebounds, while Albicy posted 12 points, including the game-winner.
It was a special evening for Gustavo Ayon also, who reached 1,500 EuroLeague points and posted 12 in tonight’s victory.
Joffrey Lauvergne paced Fenerbahce with 18 points and four rebounds, followed by Nikola Kalinic who added 16 points.
Zenit’s second-half surge sinks Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce was in control in the first half, leading 43-38, though after the halftime break Zenit reacted and ended up in charge by the end of the third period (60-59). After multiple exchanges in the lead of the game, Derrick Williams tied the score to 78 points with 53 seconds remaining in the game. Gustavo Ayon came to answer, then Abromaitis hit one of his two free throws to keep Zenit in charge 81-78 with eight seconds remaining. Kostas Sloukas evened the score once again, though Albicy was there to finish off the business for Zenit.
“This is a victory for my staff, the persons who still believe in us. When we are losing and everybody thinks we are bad professionals, it’s a victory for them [to prove them wrong]”, commented Joan Plaza after the game.
The aftermath
Zenit will end this week’s action at a 4-11 record, while Fenerbahce falls to 5-10.
Photo: EuroLeague