Maccabi ended its EuroLeague campaign with a 14:16 record after a dramatic loss to Fenerbahce. Tarik Black exploded with 23P & 7R, Deni Avdija added 10P & 5R
In the fourth it was a complete stare down between the crew in yellow and blue and the EuroLeague’s top seed, with the game being tied (75:75) Fener had the ball in the final possession where Kostas Sloukas scored a step-back buzzer beating three to give his team the 75:78 home win.
Coach Sfairopoulos’ starting five: Wilbekin, John-Di, Caloiaro, O’Bryant and Black. Tarik was the man for making his presence felt on both ends of the floor to give Maccabi the 6:10 lead, the crew in yellow and blue continued to hustle as Caloiaro’s domination on the offensive boards made it 8:14. Both teams traded blows with Fener being the side to come out on top with the 17:16 edge. Fener increased their lead but Scottie tied the game from the free throw line to end the first quarter with the scoreboard showing 20:20.
Both sides struggled to score at the beginning of the second quarter with Fener being the side to end the drought taking the 20:25 lead forcing coach Sfairopoulos to call for a timeout. Deni got the open look and he drained it from deep finally sparking a 6:0 run for Maccabi (25:26). The locals found their offensive rhythm as they took the lead again but Scottie and Deni made kept Maccabi close to the hosts (34:33). Datome and Kalinic scored but Johnny managed to tie the game just before the halftime buzzer (41:41).
Maccabi started the third quarter firing on all cylinders completing an 8:0 run to take the 41:49 lead. Kalinic reacted for Fener but Deni and Scottie answered big to keep Maccabi ahead 47:55. Kalinic was relentless in his efforts to keep his team close to Maccabi but Caloiaro was the last to score in the third quarter keeping the crew in yellow and blue ahead 51:59.
Sloukas sparked a 5:0 for Fener at the beginning of the fourth forcing coach Sfairopoulos to call for a timeout (56:59). Melli and Guduric kept their team within a striking distance, Roll reacted but Guduric scored a corner three to tie the game (63:63). The locals capitalized on unsportsmanlike and technical fouls called on Maccabi to complete a 7:0 run (70:63). Tarik’s three-point play sparked an 8:0 run but Sloukas reacted to keep Fenerbache ahead 72:71.
With 44.4 seconds left in the game Johnny tied the game from the free throw line (74:74). Melli gave his team the 75:74 edge, Pargo tied the game but Sloukas scored a step-bac buzzer beating three to give Fenerbahce the 78:75 home win.
