Round 34 which ends on a high note with l‘play-off starter, Fenerbahce Istanbul against Olympiacos Piraeus. The positive news for Bartzokas is the return of Milutinov, who hopefully can gain importance for the team as soon as possible. Vader in full force.
The match
Very hot start Fener, 13 points in the first four minutes then Olympiacos shifts into gear and puts things back on track. General balance in the first two quarters, on the shields Canaan what does it do Steph of the evening, 4/5 by far. Walkup is educational: show it to the childrenin defense it’s a clinic in the game.
At Fener the offensive production is very balanced, between Sanli, Dorsey, Il usual now Biberovic and Hayes-Davis (who attacks the basket a lot, double the opponents’ free throws as a team). 38-34 Oly at halftime.
Second half
Soft start to the third quarter for Oly, 2-7 partial with extemporaneous initiatives (Peters) and defenses soft on the ball. Sanli for the sixth offensive rebound (at 2), Sikma on the other hand it shows why at the beginning of the season we talked about this addition as one of the most interesting of the summer transfer market. The teams in general shoot bad from three33% against 29% – sometimes we resort to it due to a little too much laziness – Wilbekin he silences me with the buzzer-beater from three. 53-52 Oly at 30′.
Game very often interrupted by fouls called towards one or the other, practically play-off atmosphere not completely left to play by the greys. Sin.
The difficulties in shooting threes are combined with those in free throws of both teams, both at a dismal 65%. In difficulty, leaders emerge: Hayes-Davis on the one hand (triple and penetration), McKissic on the other – fighting offensive rebounds and diving inside.
In crunch time Peters gets a ball stolen from Calathes (fox n.1 in Europe), which give a candy for easy support Hayes-Davis for +4 Vader which leaves the Greek coach stunned (previous yellow-blue offensive rebound). McKissic with the triple after the timeout – speaking of leadership – Fener lost ball. Last two possessions not excellent by both teams, Williams-Goss and Wilbekin’s prayers are not successful. And therefore OVERTIIIIME: 69 all.
Overtime!
Calathes and Guduric take control (9-4), with triples, steals and offensive rebounds. Canaan’s triple brings Papanikolau’s defense back to the red and whites, Canaan with the two points, the stolen ball and the earned free throws overturning the start of overtime for lead Oly to victory – MVP of the evening, with a spaceman 71% from three, 26 points and 25 rating. Last 7 points scored. Wilbekin’s last half-miracle – a triple at the end – wasn’t enough. Celebrate Oly, 84-81 the final result.
Barcelona for Oly, Monaco for Fener!
Gift or punishment to meet Barcelona in the play-offs? Perhaps the first is excessive, certainly they will be balanced matches and the undersigned is betting the euro on Bartzokas’ men, sincerely. First of all for those who sit on the pine tree, but also because the team is solid even in moments of difficulty, she has physicality, she has malice – Papanikolau is touching at times – and she is fifth in seeding, which perhaps helps the cabal. Who knows, the field will tell. Sikma is the best news of the eveningbeyond the numbers it is important to have him in rotation and fully involved with the team. Only applause for Canaan tonight: focused.
At Fener there are some regrets about the ending, but there were experienced players in front of us and we could leave this match with an L. 11 offensive rebounds (to 4) conceded by Oly, who also lose on rebounds quite clearly – 29-38: despite this the yellow and blues do not take home the victory, paying the disaster with free throws and 15 turnovers. Well Wilbekin tonightSanli, total leadership of Calathes (turnkey team). The team is there, better shooting evenings will come (and they will have to come to win against the Monegasques), but it promises to be a series shognoas Briatore would say.
