By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Malcolm Delaney tapped 26 points to lead FC Barcelona to an 84-80 triumph over visiting AX Armani Exchange Milan for Round 24 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Delaney was the key factor for the victory, as his season-high performance (along with eight assists and five rebounds) got the job done for the Blaugranas, handing them their second win for this week in EuroLeague, improving to an 18-6 record in the standings.
At the same time, Nikola Mirotic contributed 15 points, three rebounds and three assists for the winning side.
Barcelona roars in the third to turn the tables
While Olimpia Milano stayed in charge after the first half with 45-36, the hosts’ reaction was quick heading into the third period as they managed to outscore their visitors 27-14 and get a narrow 63-59 lead after 30 minutes. Delaney, along with Brandon Davies (12 points) stepped up in the fourth period to lead their team past the Italian side.
Sergio Rodriguez and Kaleb Taczewski led Milano’s scorers and finished the game with 14 points, assists and 13 points, 9 rebounds respectively, though the team bids goodbye to this week’s action with two defeats and an 11-13 record.
Despite the victory, Barcelona saw Thomas Heurtel going out during the first half after five minutes on the court with what seemed to be an ankle twist.
“It was a shock for everyone, for him and for the team,” commented coach Svetislav Pesic at the post-game press conference. The Frenchman is expected to go through medicals this weekend for further diagnosis of his condition, as Pesic added.
Photo: EuroLeague