Canadians in Europe: 10th - 13th November
European club competitions are still in the unusual situation of games being dropped due to ongoing issues surrounding the corona virus pandemic. Some of those that were able to go ahead had Canadian players take to the court and, in some cases, lead the scoring and produce some of the best stories of the season.
FIBA Champions League
Limoges took an early 21-9 lead after just a few minutes played, but found it difficult to hold on to that advantage in the face of Hapoel Jerusalem's far superior play in the paint. The Israeli team took the lead late in the fourth quarter and, holding Limoges to just nine points in the period, prevailed with the final result 81-75. Philip Scrubb had some consolation in the loss, leading all on the floor with 26 points for Limoges.
Kyle Wiltjer had six points for PTT Ankara while team mate and compatriot Tyler Ennis was having a great showing with a game-high 19 points. As good a game Ennis was having, his team were hampered and struggled for forty minutes. Their hosts and opponents, Igokea, did not look back after taking the lead within the first five minutes. Led by Anthony Clemmons with 17 points, Igokea cruised home to the win by the final score of 77 to 66.
In one of the games of the season, Dylan Ennis led Zaragoza with 22 points as they hosted Nizhny Novgorod, who had five players finish in double digits. After a tight opening period, the Russian club broke away and led by double-digits. Zaragoza put together a 15-point unbroken run to go back in front by two, the teams were neck and neck again by the end of the third.
Ivan Strebkov did most of the work in the forth to help Nizhny retain their advantage and amass a nine-point lead with six minutes left. It was here, though, where Ennis shined: while the Torontonian guard had played a minor role so far, in the fourth quarter he erupted for thirteen points which saw the game swing back in Zaragoza's favour. On the final possession his long-distance three would be the game-deciding shot. His efforts helped Zaragoza capture the win, 78 to 75.
EuroCup
Only one EuroCup game with a Canadian player could go ahead this week, Kenny Cherry starting for Brescia away at Ulm. Cherry led his team with 15 points in the contest, but Brescia had a far less successful showing. Once Ulm started to find their rhythm in the second quarter they dominated proceedings and made all the right shots to win the game 88 points to 76.
Euroleague
Dyshawn Pierre had just four points for Fenerbahce in a sorry showing for the Turkish unit on the road against Barcelona. The Spanish hosts were firing on all cylinders throughout, especially from beyond the arc, sinking sixteen three-point shots in the game. With no answer for what they were facing at all, Fenerbahce suffered an overwhelming loss, 97-55.
Kevin Pangos was back in action for Zenit St Petersburg but scored just four points for them in Lyon against ASVEL. Will Thomas picked up the scoring slack, putting up a game-best 14 points to help lift Zenit into the lead after a close first quarter. With ASVEL unable to keep up with their opponents offence, they were resigned to the loss by the eventual scoreline 66-53.
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