By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Losing Will Clyburn was a serious blow for CSKA Moscow. The 29-year-old small forward is out since EuroLeague Regular Season Round 4, but the conclusion of Round 16 sees Dimitrios Itoudis’ side at 11-5, just a couple of wins behind leaders Real Madrid, Anadolu Efes and FC Barcelona. Our MVP of the week guided the Russian club to its latest victory.
Eurohoops MVP
Daniel Hackett
A veteran of Europe’s premier club competition, Daniel Hackett put up a career-best 28 points leading CSKA to the home win against AX Armani Exchange Milan. The 32-year-old guard remained scoreless in his two previous outings, but it was his turn on Thursday evening. He sank 8/18 from the field including six threes, also dished four assists and added a career-high four steals.
Eurohoops Best Five
1. Billy Baron: A couple of career-highs in his 26 points and 34 PIR got the job done for Crvena Zvezda mts on the road.
2. Rodrigue Beaubois: Ergin Ataman’s player produced a season-high 22 points and a personal-best four steals for Anadolu Efes.
3. Daniel Hackett: Our MVP powered CSKA’s third consecutive win.
4. Bojan Dubljevic: Overtime triumph for Valencia over Fenerbahce Beko with the Montenegrin big on a career-bests frenzy of 30 points, 12 rebounds and 42 PIR.
5. Walter Tavares: The Cape Verdean center posted a career-high 32 PIR behind his 14-point, 14-rebound double-double in Athens.
Coach of the week: Zvezdan Mitrovic
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne improving to 8-8 brings Zvezdan Mitrovic back in our spotlight. Tied for seventh place nearly midway through the Regular Season surely strengthens the unexpected playoffs bid for Tony Parker’s team. Home advantage threw in seven of those wins with the latest coming at the expense of Khimki Moscow Region. Mitrovic is making things happen at the Astroballe.
The big issue: Fenerbahce’s season is almost over
Different situation for Fenerbahce Beko. The Turkish club was certainly among early favorites, but fell to 5-11 with the home loss to Valencia. Must-win situations are forming ahead of upcoming road games opposite to Olympiacos on January 2nd and KIROLBET Baskonia on January 9th. Any additional defeat may shove the playoffs beyond reach.