Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv had a great start the Eurolegue’s “Top 16” with a 89-74 win in Valencia over Pamesa.
Maccabi took a 18-13 lead at the end of the first quarter, increased it to 34-27 and at the half led 43-40.
Pamesa ran 11-0 at the start of the third period and led 51-46. But a three pointer by Saras put Maccabi back in business. Baston & Thomas committed their fourth foul and that brought on Bruno Sundov. On his debut the giant Croat played 8 minutes, scored 4 pts & pulled down four rebounds and helped Maccabi to fo into the final period 63-58 up.
Maccabi dominated the final quarter and after a 13-3 runtook a 76-61 lrad. With five minutes to go Baston fouled out and Vujcic followed three minutes later. Sharp & Thomas commited their fifth foul but by then the match was already wom. The highest margin was 87-69 and finally a 15 points win.
A great night for Maccabi’s guards led by Anthony Parker the MVP with 23 pts in 72%FG (3-3 for three, 5 rbds & 5 ass & 2 bsts.
Zalgiris Kaunas, who plays host to Maccabi next week, won in Istanbul 85-73 vs Ulker with 25 pts & 16 rbds by Arvydas Sabonis.