By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a night of big games, Real Madrid demolished Barcelona (97-73), Olympiacos became the first team to beat CSKA Moscow in Euroleague this season (84-76) and Zalgiris Kaunas got a road win in Belgrade over Crvena Zvezda (70-68).
In Madrid, Real was unstoppable. The first quarter started with the hosts leading by 10 (26-16) and they never relaxed until the last moment with Rudy Fernandez (22 p.) and Sergio Rodriguez (23 p.) putting up a show. Despite 22 points by NBA prospect Mario Hezonja, Barcelona never got into the game. Before the tip off, Real honored its captain, Felipe Reyes, for being the all time Euroleague leader in rebounds.
In Piraeus, Olympiacos scored just 11 points in the first quarter, but after that, the Reds had one of their best games yet in the season. The hosts had a 43-37 advantage in the half, a double digits lead in the third quarter (64-53) and despite a big game by Milos Teodosic (20 p., 5/8 3p.) CSKA couldn’t get close than four points (77-73) with 1,5 minute left. Still Olympiacos close the game the right way, having also Vasilis Spanoulis (19 p.) in a good night. CSKA’s Kyle Hines was honored before the game by his former team, Olympiacos.
In Belgrade, Zalgiris started the game by surprising Crvena Zvezda and getting a 20-13 score advantage after the first quarter. That proved to be enough. The hosts trailed all game, they got into striking distance, but just couldn’t get the lead. Marcus Williams had the chance in the end to be the hero, but he missed the last shot, a three which could have won the contest. James Anderson with 22 points was the leader of Zalgiris once more.