Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (6-9) prevailed Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (7-8) 90-79 (23-18, 19-19, 28-14, 20-28) to get their third consecutive Turkish Airlines EuroLeague victory for the first time in the 2021-22 campaign.
| Player of the Game | |
|
EFF
25
|
| Nando De Colo | |
| Points | 21 |
| Accuracy | 8-15 |
| Rebounds | 3 |
| Assists | 5 |
Maccabi came out strong at the start of the last period, arranging a 13-2 run and cutting their massive deficit to 8 points (64-72). James Nunnally was on fire, scoring 10 points, including a three-pointer with a foul. Derrick Williams extended Maccabi's push to 17-4 (68-74).
Nevertheless, Dyshawn Pierre let Fenerbahce breathe easier, converting free shots from the line (77-68). Both clubs were struggling to score while Scottie Wilbekin nailed a trey (74-79) with 2:10 to go. Devin Booker scored a two-pointer on the other end (81-74), moreover, Nando De Colo added a duo (83-74) to seal the deal for Fener.
For the winners, Devin Booker posted 22 points (8/12 2PT, 2/4 3PT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 3 blocks, and 23 PIR.
"We fought hard in the end and got the win that we needed. Hopefully, we can keep that momentum going to the second game this week," told Booker after the win.
Nando De Colo added 21 points (8/11 2PT, 0/4 3PT, 5/6 FT), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, 6 drawn fouls, and 25 PIR.
"We just have to get the energy and focus on the next game, that's it," said Sasa Djordjevic post-game. "We just won against Maccabi: what happened yesterday, I don't even remember what I ate. Like I told you before, we never backed down and are always working hard. Now, we are finishing the games differently."
Fener's bench boss also added: "In this job, emotions are our enemies. This is not Coach Djordjevic saying, but Coach John Wooden, one of the biggest ever. That's what he said, emotions are our enemies. And yes, we showed our emotions and it is good sometimes, but you cannot get dragged by it."
Fenerbahce Istanbul / Schedule
Zenit Saint Petersburg
Fenerbahce Istanbul
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizFormer Fenerbahce player James Nunnally was a leader for his team, accumulating 18 points (4/7 2PT, 2/6 3PT, 4/6 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 turnovers, 8 drawn fouls, and 17 PIR.
"I think that today we fought better than in the previous game, but had one bad period in the third quarter, in which we lost our concentration and missed some layups," commented Ioannis Sfairopoulos after the loss.
At the start of the second quarter, Fenerbahce built a tangible 9-point advantage (30-21) thanks to a 7-0 run, organized by Sehmus Hazer and Nando De Colo.
Though, that stretch was a short-lived success as Maccabi quickly erased their deficit to 2 points (30-32). Both teams traded buckets while Fener spurted at the end of the second period, going into the break with 5 points' advantage (42-37).
The Turkish powerhouse opened the second half with an 8-2 push (50-39) behind Pierria Henry, Devin Booker, and Dyshawn Pierre baskets.
Even though James Nunnally tried to keep Maccabi in the fighting distance, Pierria Henry scored 6 points in a row to increase Fener's lead to 16 points (59-43). Marko Guduric and Achille Polonara hit back-to-back treys to close the third quarter on a high note, creating a solid 21-point margin between the squads (70-49).
Roman Sorkin, who suffered a broken thumb last week and was expected to be out of action for 6 weeks, got special permission from the EuroLeague to use a special splint and was registered for tonight's game. Nevertheless, he did not play a single second.
Marial Shayok missed the game for Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce: Devin Booker 22 (6 REB, 3 STL, 3 BLK), Nando De Colo 21 (5 AST), Pierria Henry 9 (5 REB), Marko Guduric 9, Dyshawn Pierre 8 (5 REB), Achille Polonara 8, Jan Vesely 8 (6 REB, 4 AST, 3 BLK).
Maccabi: James Nunnally 18 (5 REB), Scottie Wilbekin 14, Keenan Evans 13 (7 AST, 3 STL, 17 PIR), Derrick Williams 10, Ante Zizic 9 (11 REB).
Highlights
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