Euroleague Round 17: Important Games Define Thursday

At this point of the Euroleague season, it feels like every game has a lot at stake and Thursday summed that up perfectly with some excellent contests. Crvena Zvezda Belgrade stunned Fenerbahce to continue its hot form. Brose Bamberg finally had an off day and lost at Unics Kazan. Elsewhere, Darussafaka went big to down in form Baskonia Vitoria, while Olymapicos hit Barcelona in a battle of the giant.

Crvena Zvezda Belgrade vs. Fenerbahce Istanbul, 75-73

In front of 8,000 fans, Crvena Zvezda Belgrade’s excellent form continued with a last gasp win over Fenerbahce. The win pushes the Serbian champions to 9-8, while Fenerbahce drops to 10-7. Both clubs are pushing at the high mid-table. Fener was up 69-73 with 90 seconds to play, but failed to score in the closing minute as the hosts closed it out with some huge plays at both ends of the floor. Ognjen Kuzmic led the win with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while also claiming the game defining points.

Unics Kazan vs. Brose Bamberg, 63-58

The amazing recent form of Brose Bamberg was finally snapped by a Kazan team in need of a win. Indeed, after this result both teams are now on equal 7-10 records and are definitely in the mix. The hosts controlled the first half and led 30-36, but Bamberg turned it on in the third act to close to 46-47 through thirty minutes. However, Unics closed it with a solid fourth quarter. Keith Langford, comfortably the best scorer in the Euroleague (23.8ppg) was at it again with 27 points to pace Unics Kazan.

Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul vs. Baskonia Vitoria, 98-89

Darussafaka was without a win in two games, but got back to winning ways in a clash between two of the league’s surprise packages. Both clubs are flying high and indeed Vitoria was on a two game streak of breaking 100 points. That meant the hosts knew they had to big here and duly did with 98 game winning points. After a 47-46 first half, Darussafaka drained 51 points in the second half to cruise to victory. Dairis Bertans scored a game high 29 points in the win.

FC Barcelona vs. Olympiacos Piraues, 67-69

FC Barcelona cannot replicate its domestic form on the continent. The Spanish league leaders lost a second consecutive game in a clash with Olympiacos. Of course, these are two former champs who have designs on this year’s title. Olympiacos staked its claim to move to second place with a 12-5 record, while Barcelona is struggling down the standings with 7-10.