By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Italians bounced back after last week’s defeat prevailing over Varca on the road 83-81. This was a must win for the Italian side in order to keep their chances for the playoffs alive and they have to thank Dairis Bertans for that.
After Ante Tomic scored two free throws and tied the game at 81 with eight seconds left in the last quarter, Milano had the possession. Simone Pianigiani called a timeout and draw a play for Bertans. The Latvian sharpshooter settled for a two-pointer that went in leaving Barca five seconds for the last play. Pau Ribas drove to the basket and passed to Victor Claver who missed the layup and Milan could celebrate a big win.
Andrew Goudelock did what he does the best for the guests, and that’s scoring. Mini-Mamba was just unstoppable in the third quarter. Once he feels the heat, he just rolls with it. He was shooting, he was driving and he nailed 12 points in the third period. Thanks to him the guests took the lead at the start of the last quarter.
Goudelock finished the game with 20 points and 3 assists while Arturas Gudaitis was one rebound away from the double-double. The Lithuanian had 16 points and 9 rebounds.
With two minutes left in the game, Milano was up by 3 points (76-73) with the ball in their hands. Goudelock was left to play isolation with Juan Carlos Navarro guarding him. Goudelock went right to the basket making an easy layup that gave to his team a crucial lead down the last stretch.
Ante Tomic finished the game for Barcelona with 14 points and 6 boards, but it wasn’t enough.
Both teams are on standing on a 7-14 record, but Armani is in the better position as they beat Barca twice this season.
Photo credit: Euroleague
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