Montepaschi Siena qualify for the top 16; beat Union Olimpija 63-57: Euroleague Recap
Montepaschi Siena has become the third team to advance to top 16 in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague 2011.
They did it by pulling off a thrilling 63-57 win over Union Olimpija on Thursday night. Olimpija on the other hand have dropped to 1-6 and probably won’t be able to make it to the second round.
Siena started this game brilliantly and dominated the first quarter, however, lost their way in the second frame and allowed easy passage to Olimpija to take control of the proceedings. A well fought battle continued till the very
end and in the end, back to back free throws earned Siena the game.
Bo McCalebb led Siena with 16 points including 3 for 6 from the downtown and hundred percent from the charity stripe. Igor Rakocevic was also impressive and pounded 14 whereas double-double machine, David Andersen accumulated 10
on 5 for 11 from within the arc and pulled down 8 rebounds.
Ben Woodside was the most outstanding player from Union and sealed 11 points while Deon Thompson, Danny Green and Damir Markota scored 10 points each.
Siena started in style and reeled off a 10-0 run led by Bo, David Moss and Igor to make life difficult for the opponents’ right from the start. However, Olimpija responded well under pressure and bolted an 11-5 surge, led by Danny,
Ratko Verda and Andersen in the next few minutes to keep Union in the hunt.
Siena did not allow Olimpija get any closer as Igor scored from two free throws and Andersen drilled two jumpers in the last minute to end the first frame at 21-15.
An early 6 point run in the second frame by Union levelled the scores at 21-21. Union continued the aggression and managed to get ahead 4 point 30-26, however the lead was short lived as Siena in reply, reeled a counter 11-3 run,
led by Bo, Moss and Igor in the last moments to regain the lead and end the first half at 37-33.
Siena managed to maintain the lead throughout the third quarter but Union ensured, it did not swell to a point where it would get impossible for them to make a comeback. Siena entered the last quarter with a 4 point lead 53-49.
Olimpija needed a quick burst to get them confidence, which they successfully did with the help of a timely 6-0 run, to get ahead 55-53. Unfortunately for them, they managed to score only 2 more points in the remaining quarter
courtesy of a rock solid defence displayed by Siena.
Siena on the other hand completed a 10-2 run down the stretch to seal the game.
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