By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
CSKA Moscow is no longer undefeated in the VTB United League 2018-19 Regular Season. Zenit Saint-Petersburg stopped their opponents run on Sunday with Jalen Reynolds pouring a game-high 21 points. No discussion further than the 26-year-old American forward/center is needed on the MVP of the Week honors.
MVP
Jalen Reynolds, Zenit Saint-Peterburg
Reynolds was a force to be reckoned with, one CSKA players weren’t able to handle. He tied his VTB personal-best with his 21 points making 9/10 from the field. The 26-year-old also grabbed eight rebounds and dished four helpers in 29:03 on his way for an impressive 31-point efficiency ranking. His instrumental play led Zenit to its big victory.
Undefeated no more
CSKA Moscow’s undefeated run lasted thirteen games up to its visit to Saint-Petersburg. Dimitris Itoudis’ club suffered a 93-86 loss to Zenit on Sunday. The hosts created a double-digit lead in the first half and didn’t lose their calm after CSKA temporally turned the game around in the beginning of the fourth quarter. Despite its big victory, its third straight, Joan Plaza’s team still has ground to cover to get closer to the league’s top spots.
Another tough win for UNICS
UNICS Kazan achieved its fourth straight win overcoming Kalev-Cramo, 76-74. However, three of its victories on the streak were decided with four points or less. The good part for Dimitris Priftis is that his team eventually avoided the upset, but the Greek coach must wonder how the Saturday’s matchup would end without Jamar Smith’s game-high 21 points. The 31-year-old guard took over in the final minutes following the visitors 65-61 lead.
Injury-plagued Khimki overpowers Tsmoki
UNICS and Khimki Moscow Region now trail CSKA by two wins. The latter team got its eleventh 2018-19 victory strolling by Tsmoki-Minsk, 70-50. Giorgos Bartzokas missed many key players in his last game with the team, but Jordan Mickey was present leading his team to the comfortable “W” with 16 points. Up next the crucial home game against FC Bayern Munich for EuroLeague Regular Season Round 20.
Wright, Johnson rise Loko on the road
Fourth-placed Lokomotiv Kuban grabbed a 102-95 road victory over Avtodor Saratov on Saturday. Dorell Wright sank four threes en route for his 27 points, while JaJuan Johnson had 25 points with 12/14 from the field, five rebounds and four assists. It was tough for the home team to match the duo and prevent their opponents’ fourth consecutive “W”, especially after giving up 34 points in the last period.
Astana drops third consecutive game
Siberia proved a challenge impossible to overcome for Astana that suffered a 93-84 defeat to Enisey Krasnoyarsk on Sunday. The team from Kazakhstan is still sixth in the standings, but must get back on the win column after its third straight defeat to keep its playoffs spot in the following weeks. The hosts never trailed on their way for the fifth 2018-19 victory having six players over 11 points.
Ian Hummer debuts in double-double mode
Nizhny Novgorod beat VEF Riga, 67-65, in Latvia to get back in the playoffs zone. Ian Hummer reintroduced himself to the VTB United League followers with a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double. Zoran Lukic was also happy to see Kendrick Perry (10pts) being clutch once again down the stretch before setting his sights on the crucial Basketball Champions League game against Le Mans in France.
Poles back on track
Zielona Gora had lost seven straight VTB games since November but ended its skid on Friday beating Parma Perm Region, 88-63. The sole Polish team of the league scored 31 points in the first quarter and went on for an easy “W”. The hosts spoiled Ken Brown’s 13-point debut for the visitors and now hope to get back in the playoffs zone.