By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Crvena Zvezda fulfilled their mission of beating Kosner Baskonia, but it turned out to be one of the toughest wins of the season for the Belgrade team.
Despite having nothing at stake, the Vitoria side wanted to give their fans something to cheer about and delivered an excellent performance, but ultimately fell 100–108 in overtime.
Thanks to the win, Crvena Zvezda is now tied between the sixth and the tenth spot in the standings with Zalgiris Kaunas, Monaco, Barcelona and Panathinaikos with a 19-14 record between the sixth and the 10th spot in the standings.
Kosner Baskonia finishes the round 9-24 after its eighth consecutive defeat.
Trent Forrest, with 31 points, was the standout player of the game, although he couldn’t secure the win for his team—something the red-and-white trio managed to do.
Jared Butler scored 21 points and hit the three-pointer that forced overtime, a period in which Chima Moneke (22 points) and Semi Ojeleye (15 points) were decisive for the visitors’ victory.
With just a few minutes remaining, the 80–86 scoreline seemed to point to a comfortable finish for the Serbian side. However, Galbiati’s team went on a strong run to take a 91–88 lead, which Butler then tied to send the game into overtime.
In the additional five minutes, Crvena Zvezda were clearly superior, securing a crucial win without too much trouble to keep their playoff hopes alive.