Real Madrid suffers third straight loss in the EuroLeague
Real Madrid lost to the league leaders Anadolu Efes at home (75-80) and suffered their third straight loss in the EuroLeague.
It was a late thriller at the Wizink Center in Madrid, where the “Whites” came back from a nine-point deficit early in the fourth quarter (55-64).
Yet, the Turks stood tall and sealed the deal, extending their winning streak in the EuroLeague to six games.
Shane Larkin was once again unstoppable for the winners, posting a game-high 32 points and a PIR of 38.
Real Madrid dropped to 15-6 in the EuroLeague standings and is now tied with CSKA Moscow and Barcelona.
On the other hand, Efes is on top with an 18-3 record, having lost only once in the last 15 EuroLeague matches.
Panathinaikos rallied past ASVEL Villeurbanne (100-88) and earned its third straight victory.
The “Greens” relied on their offensive effectiveness and took a 19-point lead (52-33) at halftime. The French never recovered after that and were easily defeated.
Jimmer Fredette scored a game-high 22 points (10/12 shooting) for the winners.
Moreover, Ioannis Papapetrou added 21 points for the Greeks, while Nick Calathes had 17 assists.
On the other hand, Theo Maledon posted 19 points for the losing squad. The French team dropped to 8-13 after losing its fifth straight.
For their part, Panathinaikos improved to 13-8 and maintained a playoff push in the EuroLeague.
Zalgiris Kaunas dominated ALBA Berlin and claimed its fourth win in the last six EuroLeague games.
The Lithuanians took the lead from the first quarter (23-9) and never looked back. They led by as many as 37 points (94-57) and cruised to the victory.
Both teams now have identical records (7-14).
Fenerbahce defeated Armani Milano at home (73-64) and is now one win away from the playoff zone in the EuroLeague.
The Turks led for the majority of the night and were in front by as many as 17 points (37-20).
The Italians never recovered after that, as Fenerbahce relied on its defense (64 points) in order to win the game.
Fenerbahce earned its fourth victory in the last five games and improved to 9-12. On the other hand, Armani dropped to 10-11, being eighth in the standings.