When Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv led 73-67 with less than 6 minutes to go in Malaga, it looked like they are on their way to their fifth road win in the Euroleague this season. Bur four consecutive turn overs enabled the home team to go on fast breaks and complete a 20-02 run that brought Maccabi its second defeat of the season, 75-87.
Unicaja exploited Maccabi’s poor defense and their own high percentage 3 points shooting, to lead 25-21 at the end of the first quarter and 41-29 in the middle of the second. Than Deon Thomas took over and was responsible for the half time score of 49-49.
Both teams found it difficult to score in the third period (13-10 Maccabi). The final quarter stated with Maccabi leading 62-59 and they made it 73-67. Pini Gershon and his players will want to forget the next 5:50 minutes. Malga won the final period 28-13.
The home team dominated the rebound 48-30 (20 offensive rbds). They scored 11 three pointers in 44%, way above their averages this season. Maccabi players score 6 triplets in 30% and had only 68% in free throws.
Thomas was Maccabi’s best player. In 16 minutes he scored 15 pts in 71% and played well in defense. The new father Nikola Vujcic played 36 minutes and had 14 pts, 8 rbds & 3 assists.