By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid came back from an 18-point deficit in the second period to ultimately beat Olimpia Milano 92 – 89 and improve to 21 – 6.
With the score 82 – 80 and six minutes remaining, Real scored four unanswered points to approach the very last stretch with what was proven to be an important six-point lead. Milano made it a one-possession affair and had a chance to force the overtime but a 3-point attempt by Nemanja Nedovic with four seconds left went off target. The replay showed Facu Campazzo slightly shoving Nedovic as the latter began his attempt.
“The team has been able to fight for a win, which was hard for us from the beginning. They had a lot of faith and are a really talented team. We were able to enter the game little by little and find defensive and offensive resources, which helped us have the feeling that we dominated the game,” Real coach Pablo Laso said.
Milano had taken a 19 – 37 lead early in the second period thanks to a phenomenal entrance by Mike James. The American guard scored 19 out of his career-high 35 points in the first eleven minutes and was responsible for his team gaining quite the advantage. When James (also eight rebounds and 37 PIR) went to the bench Real grabbed the opportunity cut the margin to 50 – 56 at halftime.
The “Blancos” went ahead in the mid of the third period when Jeff Taylor scored for the 62 – 60. The match remained close until the last play when Milano lost the chance to force the extra period. Now the Italian side is 14 – 13 and tied with Olympiacos, Baskonia, and Panathinaikos at the sixth spot in the standings with three games remaining for the completion of the regular season.
Edy Tavares was named MVP of the game thanks to his team-high 21 PIR after finishing with nine points and nine rebounds. Sergio Llull scored 14 and dished out four assists, Anthony Randolph dropped 13 points and Gustavo Ayon posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards. Their captain Felipe Reyes made history by becoming the player with the most EuroLeague participations.
For Milano, James Nunnally and Nedovic contributed 16 points apiece.