Βy Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
Eurohoops presents the complete review of the best European leagues (Spanish, Turkish, German, VTB, Greek, Italian and French) this weekend highlighting the Top 5 scorers, the top 5 wins, 5 bad losses, 5 falls and 5 tips.
5 Top scorers
1. Marcus Haislip (Eskisehir, Turkey)
36 points (2/2 free throws, 11/16 2ps, 4/7 3ps) in Eskisehir’s win over Darussafaka (89-82)
1. Maxi Kleber (Obradoiro, Spain)
36 points (15/16 free throws, 6/6 2ps, 3/6 3ps) in Obradoiro’s win over Fuenlabrada (88-82)
3. Jordan Farmar (Darussafaka, Turkey)
34 points (6/7 free throws, 5/6 2ps, 6/11 3ps) in Darussafaka’s defeat by Eskisehir (89-82)
4. Caleb Green (Unicaja, Spain)
30 points (8/9 free throws, 5/9 2ps, 4/6 3ps) in Unicaja‘s win over Tenerife (89-71)
5. Tony Mitchell (Trento, Italy)
27 points (9/14 free throws, 6/12 2ps, 2/7 3ps) in Trento’s win over Avellino (92-85)
5 Top Wins
Tofas-Trabzonspor 91-84 (Turkey)
Two months ago, Tofas looked already as a team of second division. However, they won the half of its last eight games and has many chances to make its goal. Jamont Gordon (17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists) showed that he’s ready to come back to the highest level.
AEK over Kolossos 72-65 (Greece)
Big on road win for AEK which wants to secure a place in the top four. Malik Hairston had his best game in his Greek career (19 points with 7/7 2ps) being decisive, while he scored 12 points in the last quarter.
Eskisehir-Darussafaka 89-82 (Turkey)
Eskisehir tries to make a miracle by remaining in the first division after its three victories in the last four games. The last one against Darussafaka of the amazing Farmar was great because Marcus Heislip was even more great.
Caserta-Venezia 84-73 (Italy)
After the excellent January (four straight wins after 0-16 record) Caserta showed that is still alive by beating the second Venezia. Big victory but has to have continuation for Caserta.
Krasnye Krylia over Nizhny 88-84 (VTB League)
Great on road win (88-84) for Krasnye Krylia Samara against Nizhny Novgorod after 9 defeats in a row in the VTB League.
5 Bad losses
Barcelona by Valencia 73-93 (Spain)
This was the heaviest defeat of Barcelona in Liga Endesa this season (Real Madrid beat the Catalans by 24 points in the Euroleague). Barcelona didn’t fight at all.
Efes by Usak 75-76 (Turkey)
Second defeat in row for Efes by a team that struggles to avoid the relegation. Efes had a 18 points lead but in the final quarter collapsed. Dusan Ivkovic reminded to his players: “Each game lasts 40 minutes”.
Bayern by Goettingen 59-63 (Germany)
Second defeat (63-59) in a row for Bayern Munich, this time away against Gottingen.
Bayern scored 59 points, less than ever this season in the BEKO BBL.
Unics Kazan by Zenit 87-89 (VTB League)
Keith Langford didn’t play due to injury, James White and D’Or Fisher tried to replace him but Unics lost by Zenit and is sixth in the standings.
Oldenburg by Trier 60-80 (Germany)
Trier warned last week by making troubles to Alba Berlin, but this one EWE Baskets didn’t take it into account and lost at home. Oldenburg had 1/23 threes!
5 Falls
Huge mess by the refs in Usak-Efes‘ game
The referees whistled by accident, called for a timeout, while Usak didn’t the have the right to, Ivkovic asked for a technical foul, the referees thought he wanted a timeout and the called it! Eventually, Duda didn’thave timeout for the last play and Usak won the game. Duda got angry and it was totally expected.
Joventut lost its confidence
Joventut was the surprising team of the Spanish league alongside with Bilbao until February, but during its last seven games suffered six defeats and its place in the playoffs is in danger now.
First time after 20 years for Real Madrid
Real Madrid lost by Murcia (86-79) for first time after 20 years and winning streak of 23 games! Moreover Felipe Reyes three minutes before the end.
After 33 years Panionios relegates
Panionios lost also by Aris and only mathematical chances left for remaining in the first division of the Greek league. After 33 years Panionios will not be among the best.
Good old times for Orleans
Five years ago Orleans took part in the Euroleague and this one struggles to keep itself above the relegation zone. The home loss by Cholet keeps Orleans fighting with Boulogne and Bourg.
5 Tips
The “MVP” came back
Justin Doellman came back to Valencia, was welcomed by the fans with a standing ovation and the shout “MVP”, while he was the last season’s MVP of Liga Endesa with Valencia.
Max Kleber destroyed the records
The 23 year-old German power forward made a new record in ranking with 45(!) in Liga Endesa this season. This is also the best number during the last three years! Of course it’s a record for the club history, while Stephane Lasme had 37 three years ago.
Threeeeeeeees
Saratov and Nymburk made totally 27 3point shots (14 for the hosts, 13 for the guests) but this is not the best record in VTB (29)!
The upside down in Spanish relegation zone
Three of the last four teams in the Liga Endesa won this week. Manresa beat 81-75 Gran Canaria, Sevilla beat 74-65 Estudiantes and Andorra beat 82-67 Joventut. Only Fuenlabrada lost by Obradoiro.
Thrillers in Turkey
Three games out of the six first games in the Turkish league were decided in the overtime. The winner of the other three prevailed with small margin (one, five and seven points).