Motum important in big Euroleague win
Brock Motum played in important role in Zalgiris Kaunas edging closer to qualifying for the next stage of Euroleague.
Hosts Zalgiris Kaunas overpowered Pinar Karsiyaka Izmir 74-52 to edge their way to within reach of qualifying for the next round of Euroleague, now tied for third place in Group C with Greek giants Panathinaikos Athens.
Coming out of the gates, Zalgiris would take the lead, and hold onto it through the first half outscoring Pinar Karsiyaka 40-25. Pinar Karsiyaka would continue to fight in the second half, however thanks to their soft defense, Zalgiris would continue to score at will and cruise to an easy 22 point win.
Brock Motum had a very productive game, scoring 12 points (6-10FG), grabbing 8 rebounds and ending the game with a +16 in plus/minus. The next game will be key for Zalgiris, as they take on Group C leader FC Barcelona.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JfAZvhkJ7Y
Lokomotiv Kuban played Stelmet Zielona Gora and right from the start, Zielona Gora’s defense was outstanding in holding Lokomotiv to 13 points in the first period. Yet Lokomotiv would mount a fight back in the second quarter, scoring 14 points to Zielona Gora’s 16 although they still trailed by 13 at the half. In the second half Zielona Gora's defensive pressure would continue to be on full display. They restricted Lokomotiv to just 31% shooting from the field, and ultimately winning the game 66-51.
Ryan Broekhoff was well held, going scoreless in 24 minutes of playing time. Although he would find other ways to contribute, creating open shots for his teammates, as dished out 4 assists by the end of the game. The outcome meant little to Lokomotiv who had already qualified for the next round from Group C along with FC Barcelona.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlSZNVmTQug
Already qualified for the next round, Gran Canaria took on Enel Basket Brindisi and cruised to a 88-71 victory. With the win they improved to 6-2 and sewed up first place in Group B.
Gran Canaria would come out of the gates swinging, taking a 25-12 lead by the end of the first quarter. They would hold onto the lead going into halftime with the score 46-33. Thanks to Brindisi’s non-existent defense, they allowed Gran Canaria to shoot 50% from the field. In the second half, Gran Canaria would keep their foot on the pedal, keeping hold of the lead and ultimately cruising to victory
Brad Newley played a solid game, scoring 6 points (2-3FG) to go with 1 rebound, 2 assists and 1 steal. He played very good perimeter defense and was one of the reasons why Brindisi shot only 30% from three-point range.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f08Okr9ieg
New Zealander Isaac Fotu was in action for CAI Zaragoza who took on Sluc Nancy in Group C.
To start the game, Sluc Nancy would take the lead, outscoring CAI Zaragoza 20-13 in the first quarter. In the second period both teams would start firing away, ready to put points up on the board in a hurry. CAI Zaragoza would get the best of it, outscoring Sluc Nancy 26-22, eventually going into halftime down three points. CAI Zaragoza would continue to fight in the second half, taking the lead 65-57 with 5 minutes left in the fourth quarter. They would end up holding onto the lead winning the game 75-71.
Isaac Fotu played well despite going scoreless. He grabbed 7 rebounds with 2 assists and one steal. His all around hustle was infectious to the team providing a spark and getting everyone to play with more energy on both ends of the floor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m22vPR1M8Hc
Aleks Maric and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica played Trabzonspor Medical Park in what proved to be a very close contest.
From start to finish, it would be a tight game, with both teams continuing to trade leads throughout the game. Going into the main break, Trabzonspor would have the lead, outscoring Buducnost 41-36. In the second half the game would continue to stay neck and neck. With 5 seconds left in the game and trailing by 3, Buducnost would have a chance to tie the game Omar Cook at the free-throw line. But he would miss his second free throw, in the end falling short 82-79.
Aleks Maric had a quiet game, grabbing one rebound and going scoreless in 10 minutes of playing time.