By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid struggled a lot against Olimpia Milano, but eventually prevailed 94-89. The Spanish team improved to a 15-5 record, leaving Milano behind with 6-14.
Sergio Llull (18 points, 9 assists) and Luka Doncic (17 points) were the leaders for Pablo Laso’s team in this tough win.
Krunoslav Simon was the first scorer for Jasmin Repesa’s team with 20 points.
Early in the game, the hosts were great in one-on-one defense and rebounding was crucial to get the upper hand. Llull scored a 2-pointer to end the first period in Real’s favor, 22-18.
Milano took charge in the second quarter, with Dragic (13 points) tying the score for the first time at 22 points. The Italian team kept following closely in the score and even surpassed with Andrea Cinciarini at 24′. Ricky Hickman took Real’s defense by storm and with his own run and a shot by Macvan, Olimpia took the lead at halftime, 46-49.
Doncic trimmed the deficit to two points, 67-69, yet Armani managed to stay up 69-73 after 30 minutes.
The pressure by the Italian team was really persistent and they even tied the score at 81 points with 3 minutes in the game. Two crucial baskets by Randolph and Doncic ‘sealed’ the win for the hosts.