Stood tall in Istanbul to the end
Olympiacos fought hard – despite the numerous significant problems that have been plugging the team – but lost in Istanbul to Fenerbahce 77-79, for the 6th round of the Euroleague.
Fener ‘shocked’ our team at the beginning. They took advantage of the poor shooting percentages and the defensive games of the ‘red & whites’ and with Pierre leading their offense, got a +12 lead (13-1) at only 3’. Isaiah Canaan offered solutions from the perimeter (17-9), but the hosts, who were finishing their plays in the post with ease, increased the distance even further (29-13 at 9’ and 36-20 at 13’). When Nikola Milutinov entered the game, our team found some solutions offense wise, however, they were not enough (46-33 at 20’).
In the second half though, a different Olympiacos came on the floor. Putting pressure in defense, with good movement flow in the offense, efficient ball movement and scoring pluralism, ran a partial 13-2, closing in to 2p. (48-46) at 25’. Despite the game turning into a derby, Fenerbahce consistently maintained the lead, up until the ‘red & whites’ tied the score 71-71 at 37’ and 74-74 at 38’.
In the last minute: With a three by Papagiannis, Fener got to lead by 5 (79-74), with 52’’ on the clock, Peters closed in 79-77 with a three of his own. Two failed offensive plays by hosts followed with the last one being that of Wilbekin with an off target three and 17.1’’ on the clock. During the remaining time, Olympiacos missed a unique opportunity to send the game to overtime, since Goss failed to lay the ball in at the rim, and also Milutinov was not able to tip the ball in at the final buzzer, despite his attempt being in time.
- Nikola Milutinov played despite his left knee tendonitis that has been giving him problems, while Luke Sikma and Shaquielle McKissic continue being on the injuries list.
The quarters: 29-14, 46-33, 58-57, 79-77.
FENERBAHCE
OLYMPIACOS
