Real Madrid keep Euroleague Top 16 hopes alive

Defending champions Real Madrid gave themselves a Euroleague lifeline as they beat Fenerbahce Ulker 80-73 to keep their Top 16 hopes alive.

Madrid had only won twice in their opening seven matches of this season's competition and sat bottom of Group A, and although they remain there after Thursday's win, the victory ensures they are back in the running for a top-four finish.

The night did not start well for the Spanish side as Fenerbahce " who have already booked a last-16 spot " outscored them by 10 points in the opening quarter.

However, Madrid launched a stunning comeback in the second half and after nudging ahead at the end of the third quarter, they were able to extend their winning margin to seven points.

In Group B, leaders Olympiacos continued their impressive form with a comfortable 73-63 win over EA7 Olimpia Milano, while second-placed Laboral Kutxa eased past Limoges 92-56 to earn a last-16 berth.

Laboral scored 54 points in the first half of their clash on Thursday to snuff out any chance Limoges had of winning the game, the French side dropping to the foot of the group.

Elsewhere in the group Anadolu Efes sealed their top-four spot with an 81-75 win over Cedevita, Dario Saric top scoring with 16-points for the Turkish side.

CSKA Moscow remain top of Group D after a thrilling match against Brose Baskets in Germany, the Russians scoring healthily throughout as they reached three figures by the end of the fourth quarter.

Nando de Colo was at the heart of CSKA's fine play, the guard scoring 27 points, while Cory Higgins added another 23 in their 100-88 triumph.

Maccabi Tel Aviv remain in the fight for the final qualification spot in the group thanks to a narrow 76-74 win over Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari " the Italians losing their eighth successive game.