When Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv were 45-57 down in the 25th minute in Villeurbanne, it looked like they were on their way to their first defeat of the season. But anexcellent final quarter (22-13) assured their third Euroleague win. 85-80.
The French team exploited Maccabi’s poor defense in the first half and their superiotity in the reboubd, to score much more than their average. They led 24-21 at the end of the first quarter, increased it to 42-34 and then saw Maccabi close the first half with a 7-0 run to make it a one point game 42-41.
The hosts opened the third period with a 15-4 run to make it 57-45. But Maccabi replied with an 18-10 run and at the end of the period ASVEL had onky a 4 points lead 67-63. Maccabi opened the final period with three three pointers (two by Sharp and one by Saras) and took their first lead of the game 72-69. From there Maccabi were in command and only poor shooting (62%) from the FT line, kept the French team in close contact. With a minute to go Maccabi led 81-80 but a great steal by Parker ended with a French fouk. Parker sank his teo free throws and Thomas * Green added two more points, made sure of Maccabi’s first ever victory in Villeurbanne.
The man of the match was Anthony Parker with an incredible display. In 38 minutes he scored 33 pts (13-17 FG and 7-8 FT), 5 rbds, 3 ass, 3 stls and 2 bsts. This gave him 47 index trating and the MVP of week three in the Euroleague.