Zoosman's career-high 20 points hand Fenerbahce their 6th loss in a row / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: imago images - Scanpix Credit imago images - Scanpix

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul (9-16) hosted ALBA Berlin (11-14) in a must-win game at Ulker Sports Arena.

Player of the Game EFF 18 Yovel Zoosman Points 20 Accuracy 6-12 Rebounds 3 Assists 2

Though, the Germans managed to silence the crowd, winning a crucial game for a playoff berth 66-57 (16-19, 21-8, 11-11, 18-19) and handing the Turks their sixth consecutive EuroLeague defeat.

Fenerbahce opened up the last quarter with four straight triples and cut their deficit to 4 points (50-54). Nevertheless, Maodo Lo pulled his team forward and ALBA were up by 8 again (60-52).

Squads were exchanging with inefficient attacks for 3 consecutive minutes, while Jaleen Smith terminated the silence with a crucial shot from deep (63-52) with 2:30 to go.

Jan Vesely scored on the other end but Jaleen Smith answered him with another triple (66-54). Pierria Henry gave last hopes for Fener (57-66) with 1:16 to play but it was not enough time for a comeback.

Yovel Zoosman recorded a career-high 20 points (1/3 2PT, 5/9 3PT, 3/4 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 18 PIR for ALBA.

"Our players are sensational, we have to be happy with how they behave, how they fight, how they do everything day to day. We have to be proud and happy," Israel Gonzalez did not hide his satisfaction post-game.

Team captain Melih Mahmutoglu was the top scorer for Fener, accumulating 16 points (2/3 2PT, 4/10 3PT), 1 steal, and 7 PIR.

Fenerbahce were leading 19-10 with 1:48 to go in the first quarter. Everything seemed in control but it was only a first sight. Yovel Zoosman initiated a huge ALBA run, which consisted of a 27-4 stretch.

After the push, the German powerhouse was in front by 14 points (37-23). Pierria Henry and Melih Mahmutoglu's two-pointers slightly corrected the situation at half-time (27-37). ALBA limited the hosts to 8 points in the second period.

The third quarter was all about defense. Both clubs managed to score only 2 points apiece in the first 5 minutes of the tally. After the drought, Yovel Zoosman continued his successful performance and ALBA maintained a double-digit lead (51-41) before the last 10 minutes of the duel.

Five players were not at coach Israel Gonzalez's disposal, involving captain Luke Sikma, Marcus Eriksson, Louis Olinde, Tamir Blatt, and Tim Schneider.

Nando De Colo missed the game for Fenerbahce due to a muscle injury.

ALBA: Yovel Zoosman 20, Jaleen Smith 14 (6 AST), Maodo Lo 9, Oscar Da Silva 8 (8 REB).

Fenerbahce: Melih Mahmutoglu 16, Dyshawn Pierre 9 (7 REB, 15 PIR), Jan Vesely 8 (5 REB).

Highlights

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