Broekhoff goes off in Euroleague victory
It was a big week for big performances in Euroleague, with both Ryan Broekhoff and Brock Motum earning wins.
Having already qualified for the next round, Lokomotiv Kuban took on Pinar Karsiyaka in a game that would start off as a high-scoring affair. Both teams were lighting it up behind the three-point line, draining 9 triples combined in only the first quarter. Lokomotiv would go on to outscore Karsiyaka 27-22 for the period, and would maintain their lead into the main break with the score at 50-43.
In the second half, Lokomotiv continued to pull away largely due to their hot shooting night in a game in which they connected on 15/34 three-pointers (44%). Broekhoff's big final quarter in which he landed 3 triples and 11 points sealed the deal for Lokomotiv, winning the game 88-78.
Lokomotiv's success came about as a result of Ryan Broekhoff's individual shooting performance. Broekhoff was phenomenal, netting 7/10 treys on his way to scoring a team-high 26 point with 5 rebounds. His three-point shooting performance (attempted and made) were Lokomotiv team records.
"It was important for us to get a win and get back into our rhythm," shared Broekhoff in speaking exclusively with The Pick and Roll.
"It was a great feeling to be in a shooting zone like that. My teammates found me open and hit me with good passes and I just seemed to find space to get my shot off."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydGCmaP_I-k
Needing to win to guarantee passage to the next round of Euroleague, BC Zalgiris Kaunas played away against the vaunted FC Barcelona - a team who had already qualified and had beaten them 14 straight times and boasted a 19-1 all-time record against the Lithuanian side.
Despite their history against their Spanish foes, Zalgiris started strongly, outscoring their hosts 27-16 in a very promising first quarter. While the home side challenged in the second, Zalgiris held onto their lead 45-38 at half time. Brock Motum made timely baskets throughout the first half, helping Zalgiris maintain control of the contest.
Barcelona continued to fight back and managed to keep the game close. Yet down the stretch, Zalgiris would come out with the win 92-88 and break their losing streak against Barcelona.
Motum enjoyed a good game, scoring 9 points and grabbing 3 rebounds. The numbers don’t jump off the page, however his play was key in Zalgiris' victory, as he led the team with a +4 plus/minus and made some big plays.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGd_neTZQRE
Herbalife Gran Canaria took on Alba Berlin in what was a competitive game between two of the strongest teams in the Eurocup. Gran Canaria would take the lead to start the game outscoring Alba Berlin 21-17 in the first quarter.
In the second period, both teams would go back and forth trading leads, with Gran Canaria going into halftime ahead 39-38. The second half would continue to be the same, with both teams staying neck and neck.
As the game came to the closing seconds, Gran Canaria would have the lead. But Alba Berlin would have a chance to close the gap. However, they couldn’t find a way to score, losing to the Spanish side 83-78. With the win, Gran Canaria secured first place in Group B in advancing to the next round.
Brad Newley played like his usual self, competing hard, playing good defense and making smart, winning plays. He would end the game scoring 9 points and leading the team with a +24 plus/minus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmtb6IuBAsM
CAI Zaragoza improved to 6-3 as they stole a thrilling win against Ratiopharm Ulm. In what would end up being a high-scoring affair, both teams were able to score in bunches. Zaragoza would lead 17-12 early, but Ratiopharm Ulm would continue to fight back. With 4 seconds left in the first half, Isaac Fotu made an important three-pointer, helping Zaragoza stay ahead 50-48 at half time..
In the second half, the game would continue to stay close. It would all come down to the final moments of the game. With the scores locked at 81, Zaragoza would have a final chance to win the game. Sek Henry made an off-balance, clutch three-pointer to win it for Zaragoza, 84-81.
Fotu played a key part in Zaragoza’s win, thanks to the New Zealander's solid scoring night. He would end the game scoring 14 points and making a pair of three-pointers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X0toM4cKVw
Buducnost VOLI Podgorica took on Unics Kazan and came out of the gates strong, outscoring the opposition 23-17. But in the second quarter, Unics Kazan’s offense started to heat up, scoring 29 points and would go into the half with the lead 46-38.
In the second half, Unics Kazan would continue put up points thanks to Keith Langford’s hot shooting night, scoring 26 points. Buducnost just couldn’t contain him. As a result, Unics Kazan would continue to lean on him on their way to victory, winning the game 91-77.
Aleks Maric played a solid game, scoring 9 points and grabbing 3 rebounds in 21 minutes of playing time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpvtO83ml3U