Fenerbahce Survives CSKA in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague
The Turkish Airlines EuroLeague tipped off Round 13 of their 2018-19 regular season with four games on Wednesday, December 18th. Fans were got a huge treat as teams from the top-4 locked horns in what was an epic clash between two of Europe’s elite.
It was one for the Ages as league top dog, Fenerbahce Istanbul came through with a thrilling comeback to beat out CSKA Moscow 79-75 to retain the solo lead in the standings with a 12-1 record. The loss drops CSKA Moscow to third place in the standings with a 10-3 slate.
The home victory did not come as an easy feat with the hosts down by as much as 15 points in the first half of the game. In the end, Jan Vesely rose to the occasion and dropped a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double performance to lift Fenerbahce to victory. He led three other teammates to score in double figures to complete a well-rounded team effort by the Turkish club. Marko Guduric was their main weapon from downtown as he accounted for three of the team’s four 3-pointers, en route to his 15 points on the night.
Will Clyburn paced CSKA with his team-high 17 points and five rebounds. Veteran Sergio Rodriguez was limited to producing just 11 points and four assists.
For now, Fenerbahce can pat themselves on the back with a well-deserved and hard-earned W against one of Europe’s most formidable clubs. Still, the race for the playoffs continue and the that ever-elusive pole position will be something that many teams will train their sights on even after we transition into 2019.
In other games, Olympiacos came away with a key victory over FC Barcelona Lassa, 60-69. The win pushes the Greek Powerhouse into the top-4 with an 8-5 record. Barcelona continues to struggle but are still in the hunt. They remain within striking distance of the top-8, sitting at 10th with a 6-7 record.
Anadolu Efes completely destroyed Buducnost with a 106-68 blowout. They had a massive 22-0 run in the third quarter to put the game away for good. Rodrigue Beaubois powered their victory as he bombarded Buducnost with five 3-pointers en route to this game-high 22 points.
In a duel between two Spanish clubs, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz secured a road win over Herbalife Gran Canaria 71-84. Baskonia is heating up in the competition, notching their third straight victory in what could be an important momentum swinging run.