Barcelona and CSKA Moscow started their EuroLeague campaign with easy victories over Anadolu Efes and Valencia, respectively.
The Catalans took control from the opening tip and rallied past Anadolu Efes in Istanbul (64-74).
The “Blaugrana” were in front by 11 points at halftime (26-37), but saw the Turks cut the deficit to three (46-49). Yet, Barcelona brought its lead back to double digits in the fourth quarter and sealed the deal (61-74).
Nikola Mirotic was the best player of the winners, with 24 points.
CSKA Moscow was unstoppable from start to finish and crushed Valencia in Spain (71-96).
The Muscovites earned a double-digit lead at halftime (38-50) and never looked back, as the Spaniards never recovered after that.
Four players scored in double figures for the winners, with Darrun Hilliard and Mike James leading the way with 22 and 20 points, respectively. Mike Tobey was the best player of the losing squad, with 14 points.
In its first EuroLeague game in five years, ALBA Berlin dominated Zenit Saint Petersburg, which made its debut in the competition (85-65).
The Germans closed the first half in front by 16 (47-31) and cruised to the victory, as the Russians could not make a come-back (67-50).
Landry Nnoko led the winners in scoring with 16 points.
Despite playing without Nik Stauskas and Jayson Granger, Baskonia overpowered Zalgiris in Kaunas (58-70).
The Basques played excellent defensively, keeping their opponents to just 36.1% in two-pointers. Therefore, they defeated the Lithuanians, who made one of their worst offensive performances at home.
Four players scored in double digits for the winners, with Shavon Shields having a game-high 19 points.
Only Lukas Lekavicius and Marius Grigonis scored in double digits for the losing squad, with 10 points each.
In his return to the EuroLeague for the first time since 2009, ASVEL Villeurbanne decimated Olympiacos at home (82-63).
The “Reds” remained competitive for only one quarter (21-24), with ASVEL taking over after that.
Playing very well on both ends, they outscored their opponents 61-39 and earned their first win in the competition.
Jordan Taylor and David Lighty had 16 points apiece for the winners, whereas Giorgos Printezis posted a team-high 15 points.
