By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
At 18-7, FC Barcelona stands on top of the standings as action resumed following the one-week break with Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 25. The amount of remaining fixtures steadily reducing makes every match that much important. Zenit Saint-Petersburg was hunting to stay on track for a playoff berth and our MVP fully understood the stakes.
MVP
Kevin Pangos
He was the difference-maker in the latest win on the road for the Russian outlet. He connected the deciding shot from beyond the arc with 27 seconds remaining. Zenit held on to snap a three-game losing streak and capture the league-leading ninth away victory. Pangos ended up with a personal-best 25 points paired with seven assists.
Best Five
1. Shane Larkin: Third 20-point effort in four games and seventh in a row in double-digits. Looking good as confirmed by 21 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals for Anadolu Efes over Olympiacos.
2. Kevin Pangos: Career-high including clutch effort.
3. Nando De Colo: Streaking Fenerbahce Beko enjoyed 26 points and eight assists added on his recent impressive form and heavily impacting the win against ALBA Berlin.
4. Shavon Shields: Solid display for AX Armani Exchange Milan versus Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv with his 11 points and nine rebounds standing out in the balanced offensive effort.
5. Pierre Oriola: Our big guy produced 19 points and seven rebounds helping FC Barcelona stay on top.
Coach of the week: T.J. Parker
Apart from Fener’s tenth in a row, LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne is riding a five-game winning streak. Probably still an underdog in the crowded race, but T.J. Parker’s side absolutely remains in the playoff hunt. Taking down FC Bayern Munich in convincing fashion this week demonstrates the relentless attitude flourishing under the guidance of the 36-year-old head coach.
Streaking threats
One win over the French outlet, TD Systems Baskonia is 12-13 off a three-game streak, 2.5 wins away from eighth place, the final spot leading to the playoffs. Late runs have certainly been a theme in recent seasons of Europe’s premier club continental competition and several teams have been getting a head start towards that direction.