Messina’s team collapses in the third quarter after an excellent first half led by McGruder, then failing to make a late comeback: it ends 79-73. The Turks, led by Larkin and Pleiss, give Mijatovic the victory on his debut on the bench
Another defeat arrives for Olimpia on the twenty-fifth day of the Euroleague, the fifteenth of the season. At the Sinan Erdem in Istanbul, the Messina team played an excellent first half before being overtaken by Efes (30-7 third quarter) and falling in the final with two triples from Clyburn. It is Larkin and Pleiss (36 points as a duo) who give Mijatovic success in his first as coach. McGruder, Shields and Voigtmann aren’t enough for EA7: it ends 79-73 for the Turks.
ESCAPE ATTEMPT
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The first quarter moves quickly in the sign of balance: both teams struggle in offensive production, and the German duel between Pleiss (9 and 4/4 points from the field) and Voigtmann (6 points) stands out. After 15-15 at the first siren, Olimpia’s attack begins to fuel up thanks to the incredible impact of McGruder: 12 points (4/5 from 3 points) for the former Detroit player, who leads the partial with which Milan finds double-digit lead. Mirotic – still with playing time limitations – and Shields give their usual contribution for a 28-point second quarter (10/15 from 2 and 7/15 from 3), which sends EA7 to the break at 43-34. A couple of exploits from the usual Larkin allow Efes to hang on to the match.
CLYBURN DECIDES
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The start of the second half portends disaster for Olimpia: fouls in attack, turnovers and an immediate 7-0 partial. Messina calls a time out but the team doesn’t react: the shots no longer go in and Efes spreads, led by Larkin and Pleiss. The Turks are literally unleashed and completely turn the game around with a 30-7 third quarter, shooting 7/10 from 3 and taking a 14-point lead (64-50). It seems over, but EA7 pulls the plug again and, dragged by the defense and the baskets of Voigtmann and McGruder, comes back to draw at 71 with Shields’ basket. In the final, however, it was Clyburn who placed two triples in a row that cut off Olimpia’s legs and gave Efes the victory. The Turks reach Milan in the standings, which sees the chance of reaching the play-in increasingly distant.
Ephes: Larkin 19, Pleiss 17, Bryant 9
Milan: Shields 17, McGruder 16, Voigtmann 16
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