Wilbekin-led Maccabi waste 17-point lead but come out on top against ALBA / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Seffi Magriso/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (9-11) welcomed ALBA Berlin (6-14) in a postponed game from Round 20. The hosts managed to get over the Germans 87-76 (23-23, 24-16, 20-19, 20-20) and got their second straight Turkish Airlines EuroLeague win.

Player of the Game EFF 22 Scottie Wilbekin Points 18 Accuracy 8-14 Rebounds 1 Assists 6

Jaleen Smith, Oscar Da Silva, and Louis Olinde contributed with the successful buckets and ALBA came within 5 points (64-69) at the start of the decisive period.

However, Ante Zizic was pouring one basket after another, giving a double-digit lead (76-66) for Maccabi once more.

Nevertheless, after Luke Sikma's shot from deep, the Germans cut their deficit to 6 points (73-79) with 3 minutes to go. That was the end as Maodo Lo sank another triple (76-79).

Though, Keenan Evans made a dunk, while John DiBartolomeo hit a three-point shot (84-76) and Maccabi were able to breathe easier with 1:20 to play. The hosts got a crucial stop and Derrick Williams sealed the deal.

Scottie Wilbekin led the path for Maccabi, registering 18 points (6/10 2PT, 2/4 3PT), 1 rebound, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 22 PIR.

"We made enough plays. We were almost in danger of giving away the game like we have a few times this season, but we were able to dig down, get some stops and get some buckets. Keenan (Evans) and John (Di Bartolomeo) made big plays, and sealed the deal," Wilbekin said post-game.

"We tried not to let them be aggressive in our home court. We tried to slow down the game, stick to our game plan, and win the match," commented Ioannis Sfairopoulos.

Maodo Lo was the top performer for ALBA, accumulating 18 points (5/6 2PT, 2/2 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 4 turnovers, and 18 PIR.

"Congratulations to Maccabi. We could have come back into the game in the last quarter but Maccabi is a very good team and they played very well in the last minutes," spoke Israel Gonzalez.

After an even first quarter (23-23), Maccabi, led by Jalen Reynolds, arranged a 9-0 spurt at the start of the second period to build a 9-point lead (34-25).

Despite Maodo Lo's effort (13 PTS, 6/6 FG), the Israeli powerhouse maintained its advantage until the first half end and went into the break, being front by 8 points (47-39).

Even though Maccabi created a 17-point lead (65-48) thanks to Scottie Wilbekin in the mid-third quarter, ALBA answered with a 10-2 run (58-67).

Maccabi's James Nunnally missed the game due to an ankle sprain.

Maccabi: Scottie Wilbekin 18 (6 AST, 3 STL), Derrick Williams 16 (4 REB), Jalen Reynolds 14 (6 REB), Ante Zizic 14, Kameron Taylor 11.

ALBA: Maodo Lo 18 (4 TO), Luke Sikma 12 (6 REB, 17 PIR), Yovel Zoosman 10.

Highlights

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