The sharpshooter had missed all 21 three-point attempts in the last four games, but struck 5 times in Round 13
Markus Howard came alive in Baskonia win over Fenerbahce
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Regular Season
Round 13 of 34
Group Regular Season
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Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz’s future opponents best watch out as Markus Howard just might have gotten out of his long-range shooting slump with a breakthrough performance in a big win over Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.
Howard drained 5 three-pointers en route to a 17-point night in an 88-76 victory, extending Baskonia’s home winning streak over the Turkish side to five games, dating back to January 9, 2020.
“We came out for this game with a lot of energy, a lot of effort, a lot of fight. We knew Fener was coming in here with their hard hats on, so we had to bring our hard hats too. And I feel we did that,” said Donta Hall, who had a thrilling game with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.
But the biggest story of the game was Howard, who made 148 triples last season to set the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague all-time single-season record.
The 25-year-old has struggled mightily this season, making just 26.5% of his three-point attempts coming into this game. Howard had a dismal 1-of-11 performance from long range against Paris Basketball in Round 7, and then he missed all 21 of his attempts in the four previous games.
Howard wasted no time in starting his night on a high note, draining his first attempt after just 91 seconds. He added two more triples within 87 seconds of each other midway through the opening frame.
He made it 4 for 4 in the opening stage of the third quarter – though there was a bit of luck as the ball bounced up and fell through the rim. Howard missed his next two three-point attempts and then got a friendly rim for the fifth triple again, with the shot landing with a flat dud and rolling in.
Despite being off target his final two long range shots, he added a big jumper in the final quarter. Fenerbahce was trying to get closer in the closing minutes, but Howard hit a jumper around the free-throw line to make it 84-69 with 91 seconds to go.
Howard ended up fouling out shortly thereafter, but he had already done his damage. And he only has to wait two days before he can see if he has truly found his stroke again.