By Eurohoops Team / info@eurohoops.net
There’s no stopping Fenerbahce‘s Beko Istanbul train. The Turkish champions defeated a Tornike Shengelia-less Baskonia Vitoria Gasteiz, 96 – 87 and improved to a 15 – 1 record, winning its 12th consecutive game.
Fenerbahce built a 15-point lead at the half, 61 – 46, thanks to Nicolo Melli‘s impressive first half, and Zeljko Obradovic‘s team seemed to be in control of the contest. Starting off the third quarter efficiently was yet another key for Fener to break down Baskonia‘s defense. Eventually, Marko Guduric‘s back-to-back three-pointers put the hosts up by 15 points, 61 – 46.
Fenerbahce, however, did not stop there. With the frontcourt connection of Jan Vesely and Joffrey Lauvergne, Fener went up by 20+ points, 69 – 48. Baskonia never gave up and responded perfectly with an incredible 11 – 28 run to make it a one-possession game at the fourth quarter, 78 – 76. In the final minutes, Guduric was clutch with a three-pointer and free-throws that iced the game (92 – 84). Meli was also essential for the winners in the final period.
Fenerbahce’s head coach, Obradovic praised the opposing side, Baskonia: “I am very happy with the way we played. In one period, they came back because they are a team that always tries to fight, and they fought until the end. But generally, we played a very good game. Every game is something that can help you in the future.”
The rising star, Guduric, scored 14 points and was very clutch in the final quarter. Melli added 19 and Kostas Sloukas passed Emir Preldzic as the all-time assists leader of Fenerbahce with 446 assists.
As for the visiting side, Shavon Shields shined for yet another game with 22 points, but Shengelia’s absence was vital in the final minutes.
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