Sloukas, Bogdanovic lift Fenerbahce in series opener vs. Real Madrid

Kostas Sloukas scored 10 fourth-quarter points and Bogdan Bogdanovic nailed a key three-pointer in the penultimate minute to lead Fenerbahce Istanbul to a 75-69 victory over reigning Turkish Airlines Euroleague champion Real Madrid on Tuesday at Ulker Arena. The best-of-five series resumes Thursday in Istanbul before heading to the Spanish capital for Game 3 –and, if necessary, Game 4 – next week. The hosts led for most of the night, however Rudy Fernandez helped fuel a Madrid comeback from 14 down to lead 51-52 after 4 straight points from Andres Nocioni late in the third quarter. Fenerbahce answered with 6 straight points and never trailed again, though it needed late free throws by Ricky Hickman and Bogdanovic to ice the win. Bogdanovic and Sloukas finished with 17 points each to pace the winners; Bogdanovic also dished 5 assists. Ekpe Udoh shined inside with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Felipe Reyes led Madrid with 13 points, Sergio Rodriguez and Sergio Llull added 12 points apiece and Fernandez 10.