Turkish Airlines EuroLeague: Baskonia claims final playoff berth
The big game in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague on Thursday was between Baskonia and Maccabi Tel Aviv in a battle for the last playoff position. The last competitive game of the Regular Season came on the first day of round 28. Baskonia claimed a win to book its place in the next round.
Khimki Moscow Region 64-73 Fenerbahce Dogus Istanbul
Two qualified teams clashed for pride, with reigning Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champs Fenerbahce downing Khimki on the road. The win was enough to lift the Turkish team to 21-8 in sole possession of second place, while Khimki dropped to 16-13. The win was built on the third quarter when the visitors used a 5-17 run to snap the 52-52 locked scoreboard. From there, Fenerbahce never looked back and eased to success.
Anadolu Efes Istanbul 83-107 FC Barcelona Lassa
These two clubs know they are eliminated, but Barcelona wants to go out on a high. The Spanish giant is winding down a terrible EuroLeague season but crushed Efes here to improve to 10-19. Incidentally, this equaled Barca’s best ever EuroLeauge score. As for Anadolu Efes, the Turkish giant is now guaranteed to finish in last place and currently has a 6-23 record. Additionally, Barcelona’s tally was joint highest in competition history, excluding overtime contests.
Brose Bamberg 78-83 AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milan
Another two domestic champs playing for pride as the champions of Germany and Italy clashed in a dead rubber. As it was, Milan gathered a rare road win by defeating Brose Bamberg. Milan may even pass Bamberg before the season closes as it currently has a 10-19 compared to Bamberg’s 11-18 showing. The lead was traded for much of the game, but Milan took the momentum in the last quarter and took the contest with a 7-19 run in the deciding frame,
Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz 83-72 Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv
Undoubtedly the biggest game of the evening was in Vitoria, where Baskonia met Maccabi Tel Aviv. These apwere the only two teams capable of reaching the playoffs and taking the final eighth place. Baskonia was in the driving seat as Tel Aviv needed a win to have any hope. The hosts ultimately claimed the win and wrapped the playoff positions in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague this season. Baskonia now has a 16-13 record and Tel Aviv a 13-16 showing with two rounds to play.