CSKA Moscow remains undefeated in the Euroleague Top 16 after they defeated Zalgiris 87-73 at the Zalgirio Arena.
This improves CSKA’s record to 4-0 in Group E and this was also their ninth straight win. Zalgiris meanwhile drop to 1-3 after their second consecutive home defeat.
The key to the win was our ability to control defensive rebounds, CSKA Moscow coach Ettore Messina said.
“We also managed to avoid their full court pressure. Even if statistics show our 16 turnovers, they weren’t crucial. Also in defence we managed to stop their pick-and-pop game, which was a very successful part of Zalgiris’ game so far. We are 4-0, but there are 10 more games in front of us. It’s still a long road.”
Milos Teodosic led CSKA’s scoring with 24 points as his side took control from the second quarter onwards to get a valuable road win. Viktor Khryapa contributed solidly with 15 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.
Zalgiris were led by Marko Popovic’s 16 points.
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Real Madrid produced a stunning comeback to grab a 72-64 road win over Unicaja Malaga in another Group E encounter.
The Liga Endesa side came back from 14 points down to get the win, largely in thanks to a 29-14 final period, inspired by Sergio Rodriguez.
Rudy Fernandez led Madrid’s scoring with 15 points with Rodriguez adding 14 but importantly, a bulk of his points came in that fourth stretch. The Whites move level at the top with CSKA on 4-0 records.
Krunoslav Simon led Unicaja Malaga with 16 points as they fall to 1-3 in the group.
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In Group F, there were two comfortable road wins, one for Barcelona who defeated Besiktas 73-59 as they have now won in three meetings between the two sides in this campaign.
Barca, who were still without Juan Carlos Navarro were led by Ante Tomic’s 15 points as they improve to 3-1 while Besiktas, who are stumped at 0-4 were thankful for Curtis Jerrells’ 17 points.
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Anadolu Efes were the other winners in Group F, as they thrashed Brose Baskets 94-76.
Sasha Vujacic led the Turkish side with 17 points with Jordan Farmar adding 15. Brose Baskets were led by Bostjan Nachbar’s 19.
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