EuroView: Mangok Mathiang's dominant double-double

It was another week in which Aussie big men played large roles for their clubs across Europe, with Mangok Mathiang and Jock Landale the standouts.

Mangok Mathiang's terrific form in Turkey continued this week as the 6'10 centre dominated the paint at both ends for Bahçeşehir.

In a strong 96-81 victory against, Mathiang amassing 16 points and 13 rebounds for yet another double-double. The former Charlotte Hornet was almost unstoppable for Bahçeşehir who registered just their second win of the SuperLeague season, now and now 1 game clear of last place in the standings.

https://twitter.com/tivibuspor/status/1203672089150050305

In a top of the table showdown in Lithuania, it was Landale's Zalgiris Kaunas who came out on top of Cameron Bairstow's Rytas Vilnius to maintain their unbeaten streak run to open the season.

It was the visitors who started off on the right foot, with Rytas finding themselves leading by 15. Yet Zalgiris would switch into gear, managing to win each of the next three periods to register a 78-72 win.

https://twitter.com/bczalgiris/status/1203719319798063105

Jock Landale was an offensive weapon for Zalgiris, pouring in 12 points with 7 rebounds. However his influence on the game was limited to playing just 17 minutes, with the 2019 FIBA World Cup representative battling foul trouble before fouling out late. Yet Landale's limited time on court did not prevent him having a major influence as Zalgiris extended their winning streak to 13-0.

For Rytas, Cameron Bairstow played 15 minutes for 6 point and 4 rebounds, with his side maintaining second place in the standings, albeit locked with Neptunas with both teams boasting an 8-5 record.

Earlier, Zalgiris lost their EuroLeague clash to CSKA Moscow 82-85 in a heart breaking overtime loss at the buzzer. Landale's score with 1:15 in extra time gave his side a 1 point lead, CSKA's Mike James exploded for 10 points in the final 63 seconds, including the game-winning triple at the buzzer to steal the win. Landale finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds for an impressive double-double.

https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1202655300978794497

Also in the EuroLeague, Valencia were shut out 111-99 by Real Madrid, with Brock Motum seeing little action for 2 points and 4 rebounds in almost 9 minutes. Back in Spain, Motum was left out of Valencia's squad in their 81-70 victory against Montakit Fuenlabrada.

Motum's playing time has diminished over recent weeks, fueling speculation that he may be replaced on the roster soon, with Jarrod Jones linked to the club in the last few days as a likely successor. The 2016 Rio Olympian has averaged 6.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in limited opportunities, playing just under 15 minutes per games in the ACB. He has been shooting very well, hitting at almost 60% from inside the arc and better than 40% beyond it.

Keanu Pinder returned to the lineup for Legia Warszawa in the Polish League after recovering from injury, playing 10 minutes off the bench in a 71-92 loss to sixth placed Trefl Sopot. Pinder contributed 4 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals as he eased back into the side, with his team now 2-9 and in second last place in the standings.