By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
CSKA Moscow is right on schedule. The Russian team exhibited its power in Kaunas, against the miracle-team of regular season, Zalgiris, and remained unbeaten with a 4-0 record in group E, along with Real Madrid, which prevailed in the home court of Unicaja. In the same group Anadolu Efes got its third win this time in Germany and in group F Barcelona did the same in Turkey.
- CSKA was impressive in Kaunas. The final score was 87-73 in favor of the Russians in a game that was all about Milos Teodosic (24 p., 5 as.), Viktor Khryapa (15 p., 6 r. 8 as.) and Valdimir Micov (20 p.). Also Sonny Weems returned with 2 points in 16 minutes, but that was only a footnote. The machine of coach Ettore Messina is well oiled and ready to go, while Zalgiris couldn’t figure out a way to defend efficiently. That was the key to their success in regular season and that was the problem against CSKA.
- Unicaja stayed close to Real for three quarters and defended valiantly its home court. The fourth quarter was a different story. The guests entered the final period losing by 7 points (50-43) and got the 72-64 win (partial score 29-14). Rudy Fernandez with 15 points was the top scorer of the winners, however once again Sergio Rodriguez made the big shots when it counted and finished the game with 14 points. Unicaja reminded a lot of its old fragile self, that seemed to be locked in the past during the regular season.
- Brose Baskets had a good first half against Anadolu Efes, but the second half of the game was all about the guests. Seven players scored in double digits in the 94-76 win of the Turks with Sasha Vujacic being the top scorer and Jamon Lucas Gordon being once more the key for the win. The bottom line of the game is that Efes proved once more to be in good form as we approach the most crucial juncture of the season. Brose Baskets on the other hand is a very difficult position after the 0-4 start in Top16.
- Playing without Juan Carlos Navarro, Barcelona put out a defensive clinic in Istanbul against Besiktas and prevailed 73-59. Only five players from the ten who were used by the hosts made a field goal and that says a lot. The Spaniards did what they have to do in order to get the win, it was ugly but the result is what counts in the long run. Besiktas scored just 10 points in the opening period and only 11 in the closing quarter.