FC Barcelona survived a late overtime thriller over reigning EuroLeague champions Anadolu Efes (93-95) and remained on top of the table.
The Catalans trailed by as many as 12 in the contest (52-40), but turned things around and forced an overtime (80-80). In the extra period, the visitors endured the comeback of Efes and clinched the big road win.
Thanks to its victory in that intense battle, FC Barcelona is again tied with Real Madrid on top, with an 11-2 record. On the other hand, the defending champions lost for the first time after four games and dropped to 6-7.
In Kazan, Olympiacos edged UNICS in overtime (84-87) and claimed its second straight road win. Despite the Russians’ good start, the “Reds” were in control for the majority of the night.
However, the hosts tied the game and forced an overtime (77-77). In the additional time, the Greeks and Sasha Vezenkov (game-high 22 points) made some clutch plays and sealed the deal, as Mario Hezonja missed the game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer.
Olympiacos climbed to third in the standings with a 9-4 record. For their part, UNICS lost for the first time after four games and just the second (time) in the last eight games. The hosts dropped to 7-6.
Crvena Zvezda made one of its best performances this season and dominated Zenit Saint Petersburg on the road (58-69). The Serbians were in control from the opening tip, led by as many as 21 points (44-65) and cruised to the victory.
Zvezda remained alive in the playoff race and now is at 5-8, whereas Zenit maintained a top four push, despite the defeat (8-5).
