Round 18 of the EuroLeague was marred by COVID-19 postponements last week as no less than five fixtures were held back from taking place. Despite this, Baskonia took their opportunity to inflict Barcelona’s third loss of the season with a dominant showing on Thursday.
EuroLeague leaders Barcelona were given a reality check on Thursday when they lost to fellow Spaniards Baskonia 94-75 in Vitoria-Gasteiz. The game proved to be the perfect way to showcase Baskonia’s talent following a tough start to the season, including changes even in coaching staff.
Barca remain in the EuroLeague’s top spot despite the loss, awaiting Real Madrid’s postponed games to be played. Nikola Mirotic led the side with 19 points and four rebounds, with Sertac Sanli adding 13 and Nicolas Laprovittola scoring 12. Rokas Jokubaitis, in inspired form from the bench put up 11 points to close off the double-digit scoring for Šarūnas Jasikevičius’s side. For Baskonia, Rokas Giedraitis put on a show, also earning himself the game’s MVP with 20 points. Wade Baldwin IV scored 16 and eight assists, while Simone Fontecchio added 14 and six rebounds. Baskonia are now 7-11 in 15th place.
Overtime for Zenit
An exciting encounter between Red Star and Zenit took the game to overtime until Zenit took charge to win 76-80 on Thursday. Billy baron, returning to former team Red Star put up 25 points, four rebounds, and six assists. Jordan Mickey added another 13 points. For Red Star, Nate Wolters led with 21 points, five rebounds, and six assists. Austin Hollins added 15, while Nikola Kalinic scored 13, with six rebounds and four assists.
In a very compact game in Kazan, UNICS continued to show they belong in the top echelon of European basketball with a 75-67 win over title holders Anadolu Efes on Thursday. The prolific John Brown III was on fire throughout the game and finished the night with 20 points. Andrey Vorontsevich added 12 points and six rebounds, while Mario Hezonja was close to a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds. Shane Larkin led Efes’ scoring with 17 points and nine rebounds, as Bryant Dunston played with experience to finish with 15 points and eight rebounds. Chris Singleton added 11 points and three rebounds.
In the only game played on Wednesday, Monaco beat Maccabi Tel-Aviv 82-76 to level on wins at 7-11.
With five players in double figures, Alpha Diallo and Donatas Motiejunas finished with 16 points each. Dwayne Bacon added 13, as Mike James got a double-double with 12 points and 13 assists. Leo Westermann added another 10 points for his side. Scottie Wilbekin was the week’s top scorer with 31 points, despite the loss, with Ante Zizic adding 10 points and seven rebounds.
POSTPONED GAMES
Wednesday
Fenerbahce vs Real Madrid
Olympiacos vs CSKA
Olimpia Milano vs Alba Berlin
Thursday
Panathinaikos vs Zalgiris
ASVEL vs Bayern Munich
