EuroView: Dillon, Majok, Andersen and Motum fill it up
Daniel Dillon and Ater Majok went head to head in Poland and both had big games, while David Andersen and Brock Motum also filled it up for their respective sides in France and Lithuania.
Daniel Dillon exploded for 25 points, 4 rebounds and 9 assists in PGE Turow’s 77-81 overtime win over Trefl Sopot. Dillon played 42 minutes and was undoubtedly the star of the show for the victors. The way in which Dillon controlled the flow on offense was remarkable, picking and choosing his spots where he pleased. In the end, he was 9/18 from the field, with two triples and just 2 turnovers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No522vhD0K0
Dillon helped spark the Turow resurgence in the second half, down by 8 points at the half it took a profound effort to turn the deficit into a 2 point lead heading into the final quarter. Turow did well to stay in the game and even win, considering they were outrebounded 45-30 and gave up 15 offensive rebounds. One of the reasons for that disparity was a result of the excellent play of Ater Majok. Majok would record his 5th double-double of the season in compiling 12 points (5/7 FG), 12 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 blocked shots. However despite his efforts he could not help improve on his team's 3 wins, as Turow earned their 6th win of the season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8hRmWBMxZw
Brock Motum delivered for league-leaders BC Zalgiris Kaunas in yet another double-digit victory for the Lithuanian juggernauts. Motum scored 17 points on 8 shots and also grabbed 8 rebounds as Zalgiris recorded a 94-77 victory over Vytautas. Motum led his side in minutes (25) and really pressed his claim for a greater role in important games. Right now he is a valued asset for Zalgiris but is often not utilised if his direct match up isn’t ideal. If Motum keeps playing like this he will prove that he deserves the minutes no matter what assignment or style of play he is coming up against. In the game itself, Zalgiris were in a tough battle until the final quarter when they ‘flicked the switch’, finishing with a 27-17 final quarter to close out the win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTzR8J_ooCc
ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne recorded a crucial 84-63 victory over Chalons-Reims in the French Pro A to ensure that they now sit in a four-way tie for first, with four teams sitting on a 12-4 record. David Andersen recorded an important double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in an impressive performance. Andersen was just 4/10 from the field, but made his impact across the court with 3 assists combined with his dominance on the glass. It was the usual excellent display of versatility for Andersen, who proves time after time again of his ability to impact the game in every facet.
Andersen's team were in form right from the beginning, opening up a 15 point lead after a commanding first quarter. Their victory came on the back of efficient and smart ball movement which resulted in 20 assists and 21/33 on two-point field goal attempts. It was a good performance for ASVEL and one that will please the team and coaching staff in the New Year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr0vm1RtGqQ
Dan Trist fouled out in just 15 minutes for Oviedo in his sides 66-73 win over the 16th ranked Prat in the Spanish LEB Gold. Despite his limited time on court, Trist scored 10 points (4/7 FG) and 2 rebounds in what proved to be a cameo performance. It was important that Trist still managed some offensive possession in his short amount of time in the game, yet his inability to avoid foul trouble is becoming an issue. Oviedo sits comfortably in 6th position with 9 wins so far this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pliPsVJDgBQ
Still in the LEB Gold, Mitch McCarron enjoyed his best game of the season for league-leaders Palencia in their 9 point win over Breogan (70-79). McCarron was given the start and delivered with 16 points and 3 rebounds, however what was most impressive was that it came on just 6 shots (5/6 FG) and a perfect 5/5 at the line. The Metropolitan State Denver graduate displayed the explosive scoring which was the hallmark of his time in college. McCarron played very well inside the team's structure and the pressure was released after a great first quarter gave Palencia a comfortable 11 point lead. Palencia have been unrivalled thus far this season with an imposing 15-2 record and now sit three games clear of second-placed Melilla.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gg_TUlr_k4o
In the Spanish ACB, Herbalife Gran Canaria recorded a comfortable 82-67 victory over FIATC Joventut despite Brad Newley being well held. In 25 minutes, Newley scored 6 points (3/5 FG) with 3 rebounds and 1 assist. Newley simply didn’t have much of an impact on the contest, though it didn’t matter as he was still a part of the strong team unit that was Gran Canaria on this occasion in particular. Gran Canaria had the game sealed heading into the final quarter and would be very happy with the result given that they now have a secure hold on the 5th spot on the league table.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eflmcy80cng
Ryan Broekhoff was unable to back up his heroics from his Euroleague performance last week in Lokomotiv Kuban’s 84-89 win over Latvian side VEF Riga in the VTB United League. Broekhoff only managed 3/15 from the field and uncharacteristically struggled to find his range from deep (1/7 3PT). Despite Broekhoff’s radar being off in this game, his teammates had no such issues as they went a combined 7/16 without him. Both teams played an entertaining style of flowing basketball, with 38 assists for the match. VEF Riga pushed Lokomotiv and played well, especially in the first term when they managed to lead by 8 after the first quarter. But the talent of Lokomotiv came through and they ran out victors, retaining 4th place on the VTB United League table.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLyD_OrpaSs
