By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv exceeded its winning streak to three games with a 90-80 victory against visiting CSKA Moscow in Round 13 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Othello Hunter did his part in the crucial points of the game and finished with 20 points and five rebounds, while his impact in the final minutes of the game decided Maccabi‘s fate.
Scottie Wilbekin also led the efforts of the winning side and filled the stat sheet with 22 points, nine assists and five rebounds across his 28-minute presence on the court.
Maccabi’s reaction to CSKA’s control of the first half
In a game of many ups and downs for both teams, CSKA was in charge of the first half, leading 52-45 at halftime, although the hosts reacted in the second half and took control of the game with a great defensive effort in the third quarter, that kept the Army Team to 12 points (66-64).
The Israeli squad managed to keep a short lead in the fourth period and even took charge again after the score was tied to 80 points en route to the victory.
“Big heart, mettle and character. Congratulations to my players, they made a great effort in the second half, allowing only 28 points. We played with heart and that’s why we won the game. A big bravo to my players”, commented Giannis Sfairopoulos after the game.
It is to be noted that both teams faced absences, with Maccabi missing Tarik Black (apart from Casspi, Wolters, DiBartolomeo), and CSKA also didn’t have Darrun Hilliard on board.
Maccabi will look to exceed its streak and improve its 9-4 record next week, against Zenit and Panathinaikos. On the other hand, CSKA will look to bounce back from an 8-5 record when they take over Crvena Zvezda and Anadolu Efes.
Photo: EuroLeague