CSKA Moscow suffers first EuroLeague defeat since October 22

CSKA Moscow was undefeated for almost three months, yet Baskonia ended the Muscovites’ 12-game winning streak in the EuroLeague.

The Basques survived a late thriller against CSKA at Fernando Buesa Arena and maintained a playoff push in the EuroLeague (95-93).

The Russians came back from double deficits twice in the game (31-19, 79-67), outscoring the hosts 16-26 in the fourth quarter.

Mike James, though, missed the game-winning shot and Baskonia sealed the deal.

The Basques improved to 9-9 in the EuroLeague standings, whereas CSKA Moscow lost for the first time since October 22 and dropped to 14-4.

FC Barcelona snapped a three-game losing streak in the EuroLeague after rallying past Valencia at home (89-72).

The “Blaugrana” took over from the opening quarter (18-12, 32-16) and never looked back.

Even though the visitors attempted to turn things around (38-33 at halftime), Barcelona retained the lead (67-54) and cruised to the win.

The hosts, who played without Nikola Mirotic for a third straight game (personal reasons), improved to 12-6.

On the other hand, Valencia dropped to 10-8, but remained within the playoff zone.

Zenit Saint Petersburg dominated Panathinaikos in Athens (77-89) and maintained its impressive record on the road.

The Russians have lost only once in nine road games in the EuroLeague (8-1).

Arturas Gudaitis posted a career-high 25 points for the winners, who now are at 11-5.

On the contrary, Panathinaikos, who are in search for a new head coach, remained next to the bottom of the table.

The “Greens” lost their third straight and dropped to 5-12.

Maccabi Tel Aviv claimed its fifth win in the last seven EuroLeague games and came closer to the playoff zone.

The Israelis defeated ALBA Berlin on the road (73-85) and improved to 8-10.

For their part, ALBA, who are dealing with several injuries, have won only once in the last five EuroLeague games and now are at 7-11.

Lorenzo Brown hit the game-winning shot and Fenerbahce escaped from Serbia with a victory over Crvena Zvezda (71-73).

The Serbians led by seven late in the game (66-59), but the Turks closed the game on a 5-14 run to seal the deal.

Fenerbahce now are on a three-game winning streak in the EuroLeague, improving to 8-10.

On the other hand, Zvezda failed to win three consecutive home games in the EuroLeague for the first time since 2018 and dropped to 6-12.