A loss at the buzzer in Bologna
Olympiacos lost 96-94 to Virtus Bologna in Italy 96-94 thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Carr, dropping to 2-1 in the EuroLeague.
Mbaye Ndaye was outstanding for our team, finishing the game with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Dorsey scored 22 points and Sasha Vezenkov added another 20.
Giorgos Bartzokas started the game with Miller-McIntyre, Dorsey, Ward, Vezenkov and Hall, and the opening was explosive for both teams. Dorsey and Vezenkov combined for 25 points in the first quarter, with the Greek-American guard setting the PalaDozza on fire by making all 5 of his three-point attempts. However, Olympiacos were yet unable to take the lead, as Virtus were shooting an incredible 10/11 from two-point range and had already dished out nine assists during the same period.
Bryant Dunston made his debut in the second quarter following his return to the team after 11 years, also scored his first points. Olympiacos was excellent during the first half of the quarter and, with Ndiaye impressing, built an eight-point lead (35-43). However, their defensive cohesion deteriorated as the quarter progressed, with Diarra, Alston and Carr causing significant problems for the European champions. By the end of the first half, Olympiacos had eventually taken a 50-49 lead.
Olympiacos made a disappointing start to the third quarter and, combined with Virtus' shooting accuracy, the Italians built a +7 lead (68-61). The 'red & whites' mainly relied on flashes of brilliance from Dorsey and Vezenkov, while fatigue from the consecutive games and travel began to show. The quarter ended with Virtus ahead by five (75-70), although Olympiacos also found some scoring from Cory Joseph, who returned after recovering from his back problem.
Our team, however, had not said their last word. With Ndiaye doing extraordinary things, Olympiacos went on a 12-3 run to take a 4-point lead (78-82). The final minutes turned into a thriller. For Olympiacos, Ndiaye stepped up as a leader, grabbing consecutive offensive rebounds and scoring at the rim, but the same issue was evident on the defensive end. Virtus repeatedly extended their possessions and eventually regained a narrow lead (93-92) with Diarra, with 20 seconds remaining.
Olympiacos eventually went back ahead with score by Montero, but Carr's buzzer-beating three gave Bologna a dramatic 96-94 victory.
Olympiacos' next game will be against Anadolu Efes at SUNEL Arena.
The quarters: 33-30, 49-50, 75-70, 96-94.
