More Motum magic in EuroLeague
Brock Motum delivered yet another fine offensive display for Zalgiris Kaunas in EuroLeague, while Ben Madgen's hot-shooting fired Lietkabelis to a win in EuroCup.
Despite a game-high 18 points from Brock Motum, Zalgiris Kaunas came up short to last placed Galatasaray Istanbul 87-79 on the road in Round 17 EuroLeague action.
The home side started strongly, however Motum would ensure that the scores were locked up at the first break thanks to a slam dunk and in finishing an alley-oop play. Motum's influence on the contest was crucial as he continued to assert his offensive prowess in the second term, yet Zalgiris would head into the main break trailing by 6 points.
Galatasaray would answer every Zalgiris challenge in a hotly contested second half. Despite closing to within 3 points later in the contest, the home side would hold on for the win and a chance to rise off the bottom of the table.
Motum went 7-0f-12 from the field while also adding 3 rebounds in a strong offensive performance. He just does a great job attacking when the openings are there, or shooting it from behind the arc (made one three-pointer on the night), which keeps defenses honest. However despite Motum's magic, Zalgiris have now fallen 3 games behind the top 8 and a tough challenge ahead if they are to progress.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQeuBV1oBwg
Ben Madgen’s red-hot shooting form continued to be on display in Panevezys Lietkabelis' second game in the EuroCup Top 16 against Ratiopharm Ulm, but this time he was able to fire his side to the win. Madgen made three of his 6 three-point attempts on the night, scoring 12 points with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and got his hands on 1 steal in 28 minutes.
This game was really a tale of two different halves for both teams. Ulm came out in the first half looking like the better club, as they went into halftime up 53-41. Yet Lietkabelis completely flipped the script in the second half as they outscored the opposition 45-31. While Ulm still had one final opportunity to take the lead with a second left on the game clock, they weren’t able to make it as Lietkabelis held on to win 86-84.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70T-XZBEDqQ
Lokomotiv Kuban are now sitting at 2-0 in the Top 16 after they came away with yet another victory over a tough Spanish adversary in UCAM Murcia. After coming out of the gates strong, the Spanish side continued holding onto a slender 29-27 lead at the main break. Murcia came out somewhat lackadaisical in the second half, and Lokomotiv took full advantage. They completely outclassed UCAM Murcia in the third quarter, outscoring them 24-8. That allowed Lokomotiv to pull away to a 70-60 victory.
Ryan Broekhoff has really been a key catalyst for Lokomotiv as he sets the tone for the team with his defense, energy and high motor. Despite his not so flashy box scores, Broekhoff is always one of the best defenders on the court, and that didn’t change this game as he continued hounding the opposition all night. He finished the game with 4 points, 6 rebounds (2 offensive boards) and 1 steal in 30 minutes of action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uqv6cnz_q4