10-LOTTOMATICA ROME (ITALY)
Just because they defeated the unbeaten defending Champions Panathinaikos. Lottomatica is struggling in the Euroleague (2-6 record), despite one of the most talented roster of Europe. Top16 are still the goal for Rome, and this win drive the Repesa’s team in the right way.
9-EFES PILSEN ISTANBUL (TURKEY)
David Blatt blue bunch is on fire. Efes Pilsen has destroyed 100-74 Cibona Zagreb last night, and right now is only one game shy from the top of Group B, with a 5-3 record. David Blatt is a great coach, one of the best in Europe.
8-TAU CERAMICA VITORIA (SPAIN)
A key home win past Olympiacos, a 75-64 with a terrific fourth quarter defense for the Spahija’s basque, keeping the Piraeus greeks to just 5 points in last ten minutes. A solid game for Tau, who’s still in the game for the Top16.
7-UNICAJA MALAGA (SPAIN)
With strong defensive effort, Unicaja Malaga spanked Aris TT Bank Thessaloniki, an impressive 73-52 keeping the greek yellows on a final 34% from the field. Sergio Scariolo does his job, and all the players do the same.
6-MACCABI ELITE TEL AVIV (ISRAEL)
Fourth W streight for the Maccabi Elite, this week in France against Le Mans, a 99-91 easy game on the always-beaten french (0-8 record). Still tied with Lietuvos and Unicaja at the top of Group B, the israeli continuing to improve thier game.
5-MONTEPASCHI SIENA (ITALY)
An amazing come-from-behind victory in Slovenia for Montepaschi Siena, one of the most powerful teams in the 2008 Euroleague. 86-80 on Union Olimpija Ljublijana, confirming their solo-second place behind Cska Moskow in Group A.
4-PANATHINAIKOS ATHENS (GREECE)
First loss in the 2008 Euroleague for Panathinaikos, a clear 67-85 in Rome against Lottomatica. Nothing is wasted for the defending Champions, but Obradovic’s players have to be more focused on the game they’re playing.
3-AXA FC BARCELONA (SPAIN)
Downing Partizan Igokea Belgrade 95-69 at the Palau Blaugrana, Axa Barcelona has the fourth victory in a row, continuing to be at second place of Group C tied with Real Madrid. Top16 are virtually catched, and Panathinaikos is no more undefeated.
2-REAL MADRID (SPAIN)
At the Palacio Vistalegre le Merengues are undefeated, confirming also this week their strength at home beaten Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul, a solid win 87-77 showing power and health, despite the tight loss last week in Athens.
1-CSKA MOSKOW (RUSSIA)
Ordinary administration for Cska in the home game with Prokom Trefl Sopot, a team seriously in trouble in the last month. An easy 99-67 win for the russians, who continuing to stay at the top of the Group A, waiting for the big match in Italy next week against Montepaschi Siena.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
MARC SALYERS (CHORALE ROANNE)
The Top scorer of the 2008 Euroleague is the MVP of the eighth week, Marc Salyers, who lead Chorale Roanne to a victory over Brose Bamberg. 28 points, 6/7 three pointers, 6/8 free throws and 7 boards.
TERRELL MCINTYRE (MONTEPASCHI SIENA)
The point guard from Clemson University was the match winner in the fourth quarter of Montepaschi-Union Olimpija, with a couple of fundamental three pointers. 20 points in 25 minutes, with 6/8 from the three points lane.
SCOONIE PENN (EFES PILSEN)
The former Boston College and Ohio State had an almost perfect game last night, 13 points, 9 assist, 3 rebounds, 3 steals and no turnovers, always with the complete control of his team and with the game in his hands.
MARCUS BROWN (ZALGIRIS KAUNAS)
It seems like Marcus Brown is always in this category, and he deserve it. 31 points with 7/9 for the three points lane, in the strong win over Vidivici Virtus Bologna. It’s a great moment for him.
DANIELE VECCHI
