Olympiacos down Caja Laboral 84-82 - Euroleague Recap
Olympiacos have had a mixed Turkish Airlines Euroleague 2011 so far.
At times, they have looked outstanding, but on most of the occasions, they have played like school boys and that is the reason, they have an ordinary record in the tournament at the moment.
However, just hours ago, they displayed their professional side and collected a much needed win by edging past Caja Laboral 84-82 in a nail biter. This win has improved their record to 4-4 and has augmented their chances of making
it in to the next round.
It was an exciting game and there was nothing to differentiate between both sides by the end of three quarters, however Olympiacos picked up the momentum in the decisive frame and managed to attain a significant lead throughout,
which in the end helped them in getting over the line.
Vassilis Spanoulis led Olympiacos with 21 points on an accurate 9 for 10 from the free throw line and 5 rebounds. Kostas Papanikolau added 12 while Kyle Hines and Georgios Printezis both pounded 11 each.
Although Caja lost in the end, but the most outstanding player of the night was from their side- Mirza Teletovic.
Mirza scored his career high 32 points including 5 for 8 from the downtown and 7 for 16 from the two point range. Fernando San Emeterio supported Mirza well and pounded 14 points, however unfortunately, Mirza’s and Emeterio’s combined
performances could not win their team the game.
Scores were tied at 9 all midway through the first frame when Mirza jumped in and in partnership with Brad Oleson, scored quickly and led the team to a commanding position 26-19 by the end of the quarter.
However, Olympiacos were up to the challenge and reeled off a 14-5 spurt in the first few minutes of the second frame to not only slash the lead, but get ahead 33-31. Olympiacos managed to maintain the lead until the end of the
frame and finished the quarter ahead by 5 points 46-41.
Third quarter was the most thrilling of all.
Teletovic Mirza helped Caja in eliminating the lead; however Caja never managed to get ahead. Scores got levelled on many instances but Olympiacos but Caja failed to take advantage and get ahead. By the end of third quarter, Olympiacos
again found themselves ahead 65-62.
Fourth quarter was the same as Olympiacos managed to maintain the lead throughout and despite Fernando’s quick points in the last minutes; Caja fell short in the end.
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