Motum efficient while Andersen explodes
Brock Motum looked to help Zalgiris Kaunas earn their first win in the Top 16 of Euroleague, while David Andersen exploded yet again in FIBA Europe Cup.
Lokomotiv Kuban took on Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul in a competitive game between two of the strongest teams in the competition. From the start both teams would trade leads looking to gain an advantage. Although Fenerbahce earned the early upper-hand, creating a 20-18 lead by the end of the first quarter. As would be expected, Lokomotiv fought back with a strong second period, taking back the lead 45-37 at the main break.
In the second half, the game continued to stay close and would ultimately be decided in the final moments. Fenerbahce led 81-77 and Lokomotiv had a chance to come back and tie the game, but they’d come up short, losing it 85-79.
Ryan Broekhoff had a solid game, scoring 9 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and making a pair of three-pointers in 29 minutes of playing time. He stepped up hitting a clutch three-pointer late in the game, something he has shown he can do (time and time again), but by then the game was already out of reach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glKBhwJ7e7o
Zalgiris Kaunas took on reigning Eurolague champions Real Madrid, a contest that would also go right down to the wire. Real Madrid gained the early ascendancy in taking a 26-18 lead over Zalgiris, something they would maintain through the first half in leading 45-42.
In the second half, Zalgiris tried to challenge to make things interesting. However in the end, Real Madrid came away with the victory, winning the game 92-86. Zalgiris gave up too many offensive rebounds (29-26), allowing Real Madrid to get extra offensive possessions that came back to hurt them in the end.
Brock Motum played well, scoring 10 points on an efficient 5/7 shooting with 2 rebounds and 2 steals despite playing only 17 minutes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On2YEH4LZG4
Kicking-off round two of the Eurocup Last 32, CAI Zaragoza took on Szolnoki Olaj and were immediately in an aggressive frame of mind in attacking the paint. Szolnoki Olaj had no answer for their talents and tactics, as Zaragoza exposed their weak interior defense. Zaragoza was able to convert too, allowing them to head into halftime with a commanding 53-27 lead.
Zaragoza continued to pile on the pressure, adding to their half time double-digit lead. They enjoyed an exceptional shooting night, making 56% of their field goal attempts en-route to an 88-60 victory.
Isaac Fotu had a phenomenal game, providing 20 points (9/13 FG) with 5 rebounds in only 17 minutes of playing time. He earned a start and he didn’t disappoint, scoring 10 of Zaragoza’s first 17 points. His play right from the get-go helped set the tone for the team, which in turn allowed Zaragoza to come out with an important win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrC12mx9wV4
Gran Canaria travelled to Hapoel Jerusalem looking to steal an away win. While both teams traded blows in the first period, Gran Canaria silenced the crowd by out-scoring Hapoel 28-13 the second, taking advantage the hosts' non-existent defense to earn a 46-29 advantage at the main break.
Hapoel tried valiantly to get back into the contest, however they were unable to overcome their terrible second quarter, allowing Gran Canaria to win the game 75-64.
Brad Newley had a good game despite going scoreless in 17 minutes of playing time. He found other ways to contribute; playing good defense and bringing the energy and hustle we’ve become accustom to seeing from him. He continued diving for loose balls and hustling for rebounds, even after Gran Canaria had the game in their grasp.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxlbjekWJ1M
Round 3 of FIBA Europe Cup's remaining pool of 32 teams saw ASVEL Basket take on Krka Novo Mesto. In what proved to be a one-sided victory for the French opposition, they opened up a 10-0 lead and continued to power on throughout the first half to open up an imposing 20 point advantage (52-32).
Coming out of halftime, Krka looked to put up a fight, outscoring ASVEL 18-16. However the first half deficit proved too much of a hurdle to overcome, as ASVEL held on to win the game 88-60.
David Andersen was yet again the star of the game, scoring 22 points (9/16 FG) and grabbing 8 rebounds to go with 2 assists in 28 minutes of playing time. Andersen has been in outstanding form across both the FIBA Europe Cup and French Pro A, and will be an asset for the Boomers come Rio.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxz-o1GB-bY