Doellman for president

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

In an absolutely sensational game which was decided in overtime, Justin Doellman scored 5 points in the last 6 seconds to give the victory to Barcelona over CSKA Moscow 100 – 98.

It was a finale for the ages, since CSKA Moscow was ahead of the score 95 – 98, 10 seconds before the end of the game. But Doellman first banged a downtown shot to tie the score and then stole the ball, pulling off an amazing jumper for the win.  Milos Teodosic (23 points, 7 rebounds 6 assists) made the fatal mistake for CSKA, although he was one of his team’s best players until then along with the record breaking Nando De Colo who finished the night with a new career high in Euroleague with his 30 points.

Apart from the heroic late action by Doellman, coach Xavi Pascual was pleased to see Ante Tomic returning to form with 21 points and Tomas Satoransky adding 19. Generally, it was of small wonder that Barcelona played one of its best Top 16 games, considering how critical the match was for the Catalans’ future in Euroleague.

But CSKA didn’t care about that and entered by putting its highly effective basketball on court, managing to get hold of a small advantage, 21 – 24, after 10 minutes. But things soon took a turn in Barcelona’s favor with Stratos Perperoglou grabbing his weapon and scoring 6 points to lead his team during a 9-0 run. Despite the guests’ reaction, Barcelona’s offense worked beautifully and the first half ended 47 – 38.

Coach Itoudis’ players started to make their lives easier when they began tuning up the rhythm of their game in the third period. At the same time, this almost forced the appearance of some usual defensive problems that have been plaguing Barcelona throughout the season. CSKA thrived upon the slow reactions of its opponents, getting closer and then getting ahead of the score again thanks to Andrei Vorontsevich being quite a threat from downtown.

The more Barcelona seemed to be empty of fuel, the more Teodosic and De Colo kept filling the opposing basket and CSKA’s steady lead seemed unchallenged. But 2 minutes before the end of the game Barcelona mastered all of its strength to make the comeback by scoring seven unanswered points to make it 83 – 84, with only seconds to go. Kyle Hines made only 1/2 free throws when he was fouled and then coach Itoudis’ decided to not let the Catalans attempt a three-pointer. Satoransky was fouled and made both of his free throws to sent the game to overtime.

Once again CSKA took an early advantage thanks to combined forced of De Colo and Teodosic. When Barcelona fought back, the latter was cold from the line with 2/2 for the 95 – 98. His teammates lost Doellman in the next play, and he found just enough space to deliver from behind the arc. As for what happened next? Just another game winning delivery by the American power forward.