EuroView: Motum at his scoring best
Brock Motum was again at his scoring best as BC Žalgiris Kaunas maintained their dominance in Lithuania, while Ben Madgen and Jonah Bolden also delivered big with mixed fortunes.
BC Žalgiris Kaunas were simply too powerful for fourth placed Neptūnas as they steamrolled their way to a 95-67 win in Lithuania. Despite Žalgiris running their bench, nothing could hold back Brock Motum's offensive potency. The Boomers big man compiled 18 points on 7/12 shooting in just over 14 minutes on court, once again displaying his consistency and scoring arsenal. His side remains two games clear in first place.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVbWLkx-Vhc
Second-placed Lietkabelis easily accounted for Dzūkija 87-67 in the Lithuanian national league. Ben Madgen was the star, delivering a game-high 20 points including a sizzling 4-of-5 from long-range, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in just 25 minutes. He was all energy, leading his side from the front and never relenting in another standout performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRzB31Uls3Y
In a stellar individual performance, first year professional Jonah Bolden compiled a new career-high 18 points in FMP Belgrade's 89-96 loss to Cedevita in the Adriatic League. Bolden landed 3-of-5 from three-point territory in demonstrating his versatility, while also adding 3 rebounds in 29 minutes. The 20-year old is averaging 9.7 points per game despite FMP sitting in equal last place with a 3-10 record.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uSbWbx6CF8
Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar had no trouble in dispatching BC Astana in the VTB United League, rolling their way to a convincing 71-51 victory. Ryan Broekhoff's talents were rarely required, however he still managed to contribute 3 points, 4 rebounds, in just 12 minutes. The win has Lokomotiv in outright fourth place with a 7-2 record, just one game behind reigning EuroLeague champions CSKA Moscow, a side they upset the last week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=129Em5LvsQg
The Leuven Bears tough run continued after they were beaten in the BPost cup quarterfinal series 1-1 on aggregate. In their first match-up, Leuven were outdone 65-84, with Clint Stindl just one of two players to score in double figures. The 6'7 sharpshooter delivered a team-high 15 points (3/6 3PT) with 7 rebounds and 5 assists in an eye-catching individual performance. In the return leg the outcome would prove a different tale, with the Bears lifting their game to earn a tight 76-73 win. In their narrow win, Steindl was again outstanding with an equal game-high 18 points including three triples and 4 steals. This time he had better support, and it would ultimately prove the difference.
Playing in Denmark, Dan Trist was able to contribute 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting in Horsens' 93-65 demolition of Horsholm. The 6'9 Trist also added 7 rebounds in 23 minutes as a starter, and has been making a positive impact for his side which is currently 10-1 and sitting on top of the table.
Venky Jois went close to compiling a double-double in Tartu Rock's 86-65 win against TLU/Kalev in Estonia. Jois posted 10 points and 9 rebounds in 21 minutes as his side maintained first place, one game clear of second. Tartu has been dominant, and with Jois coming off the bench, he provides an energy and spark to maintain the pressure.
Vrijednosnice Osijek enjoyed a good 75-59 win against last-placed Skrljevo in Croatia. Jonathon Mines came off the bench to contribute 8 points and 2 rebounds in 16 minutes. With the win, Vrijednosnice Osijek moved up into seventh place with a 6-4 record.