Baron drains a game-winning trey to extend Maccabi's losing streak to 7 games / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Zuma Press - Scanpix Credit Zuma Press - Scanpix

Zenit Saint Petersburg (11-6) edged out Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (7-10) 73-71 (25-10, 16-16, 15-21, 17-24) to get their third straight Turkish Airlines EuroLeague win.

Player of the Game EFF 19 Alex Poythress Points 14 Accuracy 5-5 Rebounds 3 Assists 1

Jalen Reynolds scored a duo and reduced Maccabi's deficit to 5 points (55-60) with 5:30 to go in the game. However, Dmitry Kulagin became the real X-factor for Zenit, scoring 7 points in a row and building a double-digit lead once again (67-57).

Though, Maccabi did not raise the white flag as Derrick Williams hit a three-pointer, Keenan Evans converted a layup, and Jalen Reynolds added a 2-point shot (64-67) with 1:40 to play.

Billy Baron nailed a one shot from the line of two while Scottie Wilbekin drained a three on the other enc(67-68). Alex Poythress answered with two successful free throws (70-67).

Nevertheless, James Nunnally scored a duo, Scottie Wilbekin stole the ball and Derrick Williams posterized two Zenit's players in the fast-break (71-70) 17 seconds to go.

Zenit responded after the time out, as Billy Baron scored a crucial trey (73-71) with 9 seconds on the clock. Scottie Wilbekin had the chance to transfer the game into the overtime but Alex Poythress got a stop.

Alex Poythress was the top performer of Zenit, posting 14 points (5/5 2PT, 4/5 FT), 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 drawn fouls, and 19 PIR.

Billy Baron added 12 points (0/3 2PT, 3/6 3PT, 3/4 FT), 2 rebounds, 3 drawn fouls, and 7 PIR.

"In the last part of the game, one good offense and one good defense decided the game for our side. We are happy for this win, obviously," told Xavi Pascual after the victorious match.

Jalen Reynolds was dominating under the baskets for Maccabi, registering a double-double performance with 24 points (10/16 2PT, 4/5 FT), 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 turnovers, 1 block, 4 drawn fouls, and 28 PIR.

2-pointers this season

52%18,1Points made:18,1Accuracy:52,5%Place in standings:16Record max:22Record min:15Most made 2FGs:Jordan LoydTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"It is very hard to talk after the way we lost the game tonight. I think that as we played in the second half and as we got the lead in the final seconds of the game, it is very hard to lose the game like that. We were ready to steal the game," said Sfairopoulos.

After the first couple of minutes going neck and neck, Zenit went on an early mission. They arranged a 13-0 run to gain the solid 17-point advantage (23-6). Jordan Loyd, Billy Baron, and Andrey Zubkov were pouring threes.

Despite Jalen Reynold's effort (12 PTS), Xavi Pascual's squad maintained the 15-point lead until the end of the first half (41-26).

The same kind of scenario repeated in the third quarter, though, Maccabi organized a sudden 7-0 spurt at the end of the period and reduced their deficit to 6 points (47-53). Nevertheless, Dmitry Kulagin spoke the last word before the last quarter, hitting a buzzer-beating trey (56-47).

Jordan Mickey missed the game for Zenit due to an injury.

Zenit: Alex Poythress 14, Billy Baron 12, Arturas Gudaitis 10, Dmitry Kulagin 10.

Maccabi: Jalen Reynolds 24 (11 REB), Derrick Williams 14, Scottie Wilbekin 8 (8 AST, 3 STL).

Highlights

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