Former Melli’s European champions win at the Allianz Cloud thanks to 31-17 in the last 10′ and 50% from 3 points (Colson 5/5). Brooks’ 18 aren’t enough
A real show of strength from Fenerbahce is needed to beat a generous Milan. However, willpower is not enough for Poeta’s men, who fall 87-72 at Alianz Cloud and see their streak of 4 consecutive victories between Serie A and Euroleague interrupted. Olimpia paid a high price for the physicality of the Turks (especially in defense), who dictated the pace throughout the match and found several protagonists. One above all is undoubtedly Bonzie Colson, who finishes with 20 points (5/5 from 3). Horton-Tucker was also excellent (23 points). 18 points from the usual Brooks and 13 each from Ellis and Guduric were not enough to avoid EA7’s eighth defeat in 17 European outings. This is success number 10 for the reigning champions.
Turkish control
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Olimpia immediately realizes that they are playing against the European champions. Jasikevicius’ team approaches the match very well and is supported by excellent percentages, especially from beyond the arc (7/14 at 20′). For Milan the music is very different, as demonstrated by the 2/11 from 6.75 at mid-match. This is the fact that, more than anything else, allows the Turks to take control of the match in the first half, but it is not the only one. Fenerbahce also attacks well in the area (8/19 from 2 in the 20th minute) and above all thanks to the constant changes in their very physical defence, they take away the pace of EA7. Milan is struggling, stinging in transition, when he manages to prevent the Turkish defensive line from lining up. The best for Poeta are the two exes. Guduric scores 8 points and 3 assists in the 20th minute and Booker is very useful in rebounding and defense. It’s a basket from the Serb, after a daring move due to a defensive inattention by Fenerbahce, that puts Olimpia back within 4 (30-34 at 18′). An excellent Colson (12 points at 20′, 3/3 from 3) sends the Turks back to +8 (30-38 at 39′), with a 4-point game.
too strong
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Fenerbahce continues to control the pace of the match, often going on the counterattack and moving the ball well. A triple from Biberovic sends the reigning champions up 10 in the 24th minute (37-47). The guests also benefited from the talent of Horton-Tucker, who entered the game with two winning accelerations in one-on-one situations. Milan tries to match the intensity of their opponents and, with triples from Brooks and Guduric, they remain at -6 (45-51 at 26′). EA7 makes itself felt with an attacking rebound, grows in defense and even gets back to -1 (55-56 at 30′), after Shields’ triples (one at the siren). In the fourth period, EA7 conceded a couple of bloody turnovers to the Turks, who turned them into gold, thanks to the play of Horton-Tucker, Baldwin and Colson (55-63 in the 31st minute). Despite some jolts from Brooks’ arc, Fenerbahce remains in control, scoring in transition with Boston and the former Lakers still protagonists (65-78 in the 35th minute). Milan is no longer able to get closer and surrenders to the European champions.
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