Fenerbahçe clinched a heart-stopping 95-91 time beyond regulation victory in opposition to Monaco in an thrilling Turkish Airlines EuroLeague playoff collection opener, seizing a 1-0 lead.
The conflict between Fenerbahçe and Monaco was nothing wanting a basketball spectacle.
Played on the Salle Gaston Medecin, the sport resulted in a tense 81-81 tie on the finish of regulation time.
However, it was within the time beyond regulation interval that the Istanbul-based aspect managed to outshine their opponents, clinching a hard-fought 95-91 victory and seizing a 1-0 collection lead.
With this victory, Fenerbahçe not solely took the collection lead but additionally gained the essential home-court benefit, edging nearer to securing a spot within the closing 4.
Despite the absence of key massive males like Johnathan Motley, who was sidelined resulting from damage, and Sertaç Şanlı going through early foul bother, limiting his taking part in time to simply 6 minutes and 53 seconds, head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius discovered a successful components with a lineup that noticed Nigel Hayes-Davis taking part in because the 4 and Nate Sestina because the 5.
The workforce’s shorter gamers additionally stepped up in essential moments, contributing to their victory and giving Fenerbahçe the higher hand within the collection.
Nate Sestina, who joined Fenerbahçe at the beginning of the season, initially struggled to make a major impression, particularly within the EuroLeague.
However, beneath Jasikevicius’ steering, Sestina has began to search out his rhythm.
His standout performances in opposition to Baskonia and Partizan showcased his potential, and within the match in opposition to Monaco, he was instrumental as soon as once more.
Coming off the bench to play 31 minutes and 13 seconds, the American participant shot 4/5 from past the arc, scoring 16 factors and turning into the workforce’s second-highest scorer.
With six rebounds, one steal and a efficiency score of 16, Sestina delivered a standout efficiency, setting a brand new career-high in EuroLeague scoring.
Nigel Hayes-Davis, Fenerbahçe’s main scorer within the EuroLeague and having fun with among the finest seasons of his profession, performed a vital function within the victory over Monaco.
Despite a sluggish begin with solely seven factors within the first three quarters, Hayes-Davis stepped up within the closing interval, scoring seven factors and taking part in a pivotal function in Fenerbahçe’s comeback.
His 5 consecutive essential factors in time beyond regulation, coupled together with his complete of 19 factors, made him one of many prime scorers of the sport.
The standing of Scottie Wilbekin, who left the courtroom injured throughout the third quarter of the match in opposition to Monaco and didn’t return, stays unsure. His situation shall be evaluated additional earlier than the second match.
The second sport between Monaco and Fenerbahçe shall be performed on Friday on the Salle Gaston Medecin.
A victory for Fenerbahçe would give them a commanding 2-0 lead within the collection, whereas a win for Monaco would tie the collection at 1-1.
The third sport, if vital, is scheduled for subsequent week on Wednesday on the Ülker Sports and Event Hall, with the fourth sport, if wanted, on May 3 on the identical venue and time.
In the occasion of a 2-2 tie, the decisive fifth sport shall be performed in Monaco.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
