UNICS Kazan made its best performance this season and crushed CSKA Moscow (67-88) to maintain a top four push in the EuroLeague.
In the Russian derby, UNICS used a 7-19 run in the second quarter to take control and never look back. Playing excellent on both ends, the visitors led by as many as 29 points to cruise to the victory.
UNICS tied a club record in three-pointers made (15/25) and improved to 9-6 in the standings. On the other hand, CSKA suffered a heavy home loss and dropped to 9-6.
Monaco snapped a five-game losing streak, thanks to its 98-107 overtime victory over Zalgiris Kaunas. The Lithuanians outscored the visitors 27-13 in the third quarter to take the lead (70-61). Yet, the visitors scored 34 points in the fourth quarter and forced an overtime (95-95).
In the extra period, Monaco used a 3-12 run to secure a crucial road win that enables the squad to improve to 6-9. For its part, Zalgiris remained on the bottom of the table, at 3-12.
Olympiacos returned to the winning track after its home triumph over Bayern Munich (83-60). The “Reds” made an explosive start (10-0) and closed the first quarter in front by 16 (26-10).
Things didn’t change much in the rest of the game, the hosts led by as many as 34 (71-37) and climbed to third in the standings (10-5). On the contrary, the Bavarians dropped to 7-8 and are on a four-team tie for the eighth place.
Zenit Saint Petersburg relied on its defense and rallied past ASVEL Villeurbanne on the road (61-71). A 2-11 run early in the second half was enough for the Russians to take over and cruise to the win. The French never came back and suffered a painful home loss.
Zenit improved to 9-6, snapping a three-game losing streak. The visitors now are on a three-team tie for fifth along with fellow Russian powerhouses CSKA and UNICS.
For its part, ASVEL now has a 7-8 record and is tied with another three teams for the final EuroLeague playoff spot.
