By Semih Tuna/ info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi Tel Aviv got demolished by Galatasaray in Istanbul suffering defeat no. 13 in 19 games of this season’s EuroLeague. This result has seriously trimmed the Israelis’ playoff chances and also marked a negative record in the franchise’s history.
The 102 – 63 loss by the Turkish team is the biggest that the club has ever succumbed to in its recent (post-2000) EuroLeague. The 35-point deficit surpassed the one set in a 100 – 65 defeat on the road by CSKA Moscow for the seventh round of the Top 16.
In a manner perhaps similar to tonight’s (24/1) game, Maccabi stayed competitive for one half but completely crumbled down after the break. Of course, during that season, the “Yellows” proceeded to win the EuroLeague crown. This time the situation is a big different since even though there mathematical chances of advancing to the playoffs, the overall performance of Maccabi is far from hopeful.