Refuses to lose at home!
Olympiacos did the extra mile! Despite missing Kostas Sloukas and Moustapha Fall, the ‘reds’ won over Barcelona at the SEF 73-66 and completed the Euroleague regular season with a win!
The guests were leading 10-2 at 3’, however, with pressing defense and good shooting from the perimeter, the ‘reds’ immediately closed in (10-12 at 6’). Barcelona, that completely dominated rebounding in the first half (10-24), consistently maintained the lead (19-25 at 13’), with Olympiacos nevertheless not allowing them to get too far ahead with the score (33-35 at 18’). Finally, with a 5-0 run and a buzzer beater by Nick Calathes, they went to locker rooms after the end of the first half with +7 (33-40).
The ‘blaugrana’ got to remain in the driver’s seat (40-47). However, despite terrible percentages from the free throw line (only 3/8 in the 3rdquarter), Olympiacos succeeded - relying on their defense and with Shaquielle McKissic and Hassan Martin in leading roles – to turn the tables running a partial 11-1 (51-48 at 30’). Immediately the game became a first class derby with Shaquielle McKissic continuing his performance undeterred (64-63 at 38’).
In the last two minutes though, everyone that would be stepping on the floor would be a potential protagonist! With superb defense, a three by Walkup and a layup by Papanikolaou, the ‘reds’ got to lead by 6 for the first time (69-63). With a three 32.6’’ before the final buzzer, Sanli closed in 69-66, McKissic made the score 71-66 with 2/2 free throws and 22’’ still on the clock, while Martin’s block on Calathes’ layup practically ‘sealed’ the win! McKissic made the final 73-66 from the free throw line.
The quarters: 13-19, 33-40, 51-48, 73-66.
