By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Maccabi returned to the site of its most recent EuroLeague title, in the Mediolanum forum in Milan, yet Milano emerged victoriously with 99-97.
After a very nervous start for both teams, Devin Smith found open space from the arch twice to put the visitors ahead 8-12. Maccabi suffered some defensive slips halfway though the first period and Goudelock showed up with 2 big shots at the end of the quarter, while his team was down with 25-24.
Milano tried a few changes in the second period, with Kalnietis and Dragic stepping in. Maccabi had better control of the game, taking advantage of the rebounds (31-36). Later on, Joe Alexander flied over Armani’s basket and the second quarter ended 44-44.
After the break, the game’s rhythm became faster, with Repesa’s team keeping the upper hand and causing Maccabi to call a timeout at 57-48! Zirbes has to stay out for the Israeli during the whole period, though he soon reached his 4th foul in the final period. Simon put his team ahead with 10 points (93-83) with 2 minutes remaining, though Maccabi covered up shortly for a thrilling finale!
For the winners’ side, Ricky Hickman was the first scorer with 22 points, while Milan Macvan contributed 18 points.