By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Already qualified Fenerbahce enjoys the top of the standings with a 20-3 record, while we have one more punched ticket, that of Real Madrid who officially entered the playoffs zone with their win against Bayern.
Panathinaikos‘ and Zalgiris‘ results with respective victories over Khimki and Buducnost stirred up trouble once again in the playoffs race. Seven more intense rounds to go!
MVP
Brandon Davies
Zalgiris emerged victoriously against visiting Buducnost, thanks to Davies’ huge effort on Friday night. The American big man summed up 21 points on 8-13 FG, while adding eight rebounds and five assists for a total index rating of 34, a big contribution to a much-needed victory for the Lithuanian side. This marked the cherry on top of a wonderful week for Davies, whose partner gave birth to a baby boy on Thursday!
Best five
- Nick Calathes: Panathinaikos‘ leader paced the team with a double-double of 13 points and 12 assists vs. Khimki.
- Mike James: He posted 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists in Milano‘s tight victory over Maccabi.
- Will Clyburn: He shared 17 points and seven rebounds in CSKA Moscow‘s feast against Gran Canaria.
- Anthony Randolph: With 13 points and six rebounds he helped Real officially seal a playoffs spot over visiting Bayern.
- Brandon Davies: Our well-deserved MVP of the round.
Coach of the week: Ergin Ataman
Anadolu Efes beat Olympiacos in Istanbul on Thursday, making a great step forward in the standings whilst also getting the difference from the first game in case of a tiebreaker. All thanks to Ataman’s defensive plan that kept the Reds at a low of 65 points.
Last word: The young padawan
Buducnost made history once again this season when 15-year-old Fedor Zugic stepped foot in the game vs. Zalgiris with 42 seconds to go. The young Montenegrin guard broke the age record at 15 years and 157 days, surpassing Aleksandar Ugrinoski who was 15 years and 266 days old in his 2004 debut with Cibona.