EuroView: Ryan Broekhoff helps power Lokomotiv to 23rd straight win
Ryan Broekhoff was once again helping power Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar to yet another victory, with the Russian club seemingly unable to do no wrong in 2017/18 as they steamrolled their way to a 23rd straight win, sitting atop of the VTB United League standings while also remaining undefeated in the EuroCup.
Lokomotiv were however made to work hard early in their 93-78 win over fellow Russian side Khimki. They were well served by their deep bench who contributed a whopping 52 points to help overrun Khimki in the second half. Yet starting wing Ryan Broekhoff was once again at his all-round best, helping power Lokomotiv to yet another win [video highlights].
https://twitter.com/lokobasket/status/955151222423674880
Broekhoff's stroke was right on the mark as it has been all year, with the dual Olympian draining 4-6 three-pointers on his way to registering 17 points. He also pulled down a game-high 8 rebounds with 2 steals as he delivered another complete performance in what may well be his best season in Europe since turning pro. His team-mate Madry Collins led all scorers with 22 points and 10 assists, while Khimky's Alexey Shved added 18 points and 6 assists. The victory Lokomotiv maintaining their grip on first place in the standings ahead of Unics Kazan, CSKA Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg.
Lietuvos Rytas sent a warning message to their fellow contenders in the Lithuanian national league after dismantling 4th placed Lietkabelis 96-67. A 29-1 second period opened the game right open, and while Lietkabelis would fight back after the main break, Rytas finished strongly to record a convincing win [video highlights].
Ben Madgen came off the bench to play just 7 minutes, going 1-3 from downtown in providing 3 points and 1 assist. His side is in 2nd place in the standings, just 2 wins behind Zalgiris Kaunas and half a game ahead of Neptunas.
Maccabi Tel Aviv rested stars Jonah Bolden and DeShaun Thomas ahead of their EuroLeague clash in Milan this week. As a result, they fell short 91-94 to Gilboa Galil in the Israeli Winner League. While a close game, Tel Aviv would have likely made light work of their opponent with Bolden and Thomas in the line-up. Bolden returned from an ankle sprain in their last start EuroLeague win, and with Tel Aviv clinging to eight place in that competition, the coaching staff are looking after the health of their Aussie big man.
Ourense registered a solid 59-69 win over Clavijo in the Spanish second division. 6'10 forward Dan Trist came off the bench to provide 12 points on 5-8 shooting including 2 three-pointers. He would also contribute 4 rebounds as his side outscored their opponents 43-27 in the second half to record a convincing win. The victory draws Ourense level with Clavijo and Iraurgi in last place, all on 5 wins.
Despite 14 points (5-9 FG), 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals from Rhys Carter off the bench, Uppsala were unable to get over the top of 7th ranked Umea in the Swedish league. It was a tight game, but Umea were able to hold on when it mattered most, prevailing 74-70 over their 6th placed rivals.
In the German second division, William McDowell-White put on a point guard masterclass in dishing out 14 assists, however the Baunach Young Pikes still fell short 82-79 to Hamburg Towers. While the Aussie was on point with his passing, he went 0-4 from downtown in adding just 4 points but also tallied 5 rebounds and 2 steals against the 7th ranked side. Baunach is on the cusp of climbing out of the relegation zone, and with McDowell-White firing, they may just be able to find a way to do so.
Brock Motum and Anadolu Efes Istanbul enjoyed a break this week as the Turkish League All-Star Game took centre stage.