By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a fascinating EuroLeague battle, worthy of the character of the game as being the rematch of last season’s Final, Olympiacos beat Fenerbahce 90 – 83 in overtime in Istanbul.
The Reds snapped a two-game losing streak thanks to this win and improved its record to 5-2 while Fenerbahce suffered its first loss after two matches, falling to 4-3.
Brian Roberts was simply sensational for the Olympiacos with a season-high 21 points (5/7 3s), four rebounds and two assists. He was particularly lethal in the second half where he burst with consecutive triples (including the jumper that closed the third period) to lead his team through a comeback from a 13-point deficit and towards building a double-digit lead.
Fenerbahce struggled but hadn’t said its final word. Despite being down by 11, 60 – 71 with three minutes left, James Nunnally (23 points) and Brad Wanamaker (15 points) fired multiple shots to begin a comeback charge that was capped by 2/2 free throws by Jan Vesely (8 points) that forced the extra period.
Even though the hosts were the ones owning full momentum, Oly didn’t lose its cool and with Giorgos Printezis (18 points, 7 rebounds)) and Janis Strelnieks (16 points) entering the offensive equation, they led by eight, 79 – 87 with 1:24 remaining. This time, they held on to their advantage for good.