By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
An insane game was played in Venezia with the hosts taking the Movistar Estudiantes out of the BCL. The Italian champions defeated the Spaniards 92 – 91 despite Sylven Landesberg’s 25 points. Both teams finish the regular season with an 8-6 record and will play the FIBA Europe Cup.
The key: With AEK and Strasbourg winning their games, Estudiantes needed the victory. Omar Cook had the chance to seal the playoff spot. With 5 seconds left, the point guard missed the shot from beyond the arc.
Both teams combined for 14 three-pointers in a high-scoring first half. Venezia reached a 49 – 28 (14′) lead but the visiting side reacted to reduce the deficit to 11 points at the break (57 – 46).
Landesberg had a breakout start and he took Estudiantes to their first lead of the game (66 – 68, 25′). With ten minutes left, the Italian champs were leading by 3 (81 – 78). Blows were exchanged in the last quarter with both teams taking small leads.
The star: Michael Bramos finished with 11 points, 6 boards and a clutch three that was decisive.
Photo credit: BCL