Euroleague : Bayern and Milano ties their series

Bayern Munchen and Olimpia Milano defeated Barcelona (90-75) and Istanbul (73-66) to make their quarterfinals series suspenseful.

Bayern had to react after their hard-fought loss in Game 1 against Barcelona (70-77). Their unexpected leader turned out to be forward DeShaun Thomas and his 25 points (9/13 shooting and 6/7 from three) and 7 rebounds. The American came out of his box at the best moment to score his season-high as he helped the team to build a 13 point lead at halftime (35-48). Nick Weiler-Babb (12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) stepped up late in the game to secure the Germans’ win before going in Spain for game 3. Andrea Trinchieri was very pleased with his players’ reaction:

“Ι am very happy for my players, for my organization. At least we’re going to have two home games. I’m very realistic. Barca has been in these situations already. I’m also happy for my organization that in 15 days, whatever happens to us – a player in surgery this morning, players out after 2 minutes of the game – that in 15 days we were able to beat Real and Barca in Spain. This is very important.”

Milano secures costly win against Efes Istanbul

Ettore Messina’s men were also in a must-win situation after conceding game 1 against Istanbul (48-64). Game 2 was undecisive until 2 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter (66-67). Shavon Shields (21 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal) took over with 5 points when his team needed it. Shane Larkin was Istanbul’s main threat (19 points). However, Olimpia Milano paid a high price to get past Istanbul. Late in the fourth quarter, both Sergio Rodriguez and Malcolm Delaney left the game due to injuries. Those two absences added to Datome (knee) and Melli (calf) make coach Messina very pessimistic about the next games:

“The series is over because we can’t play without Delaney, Rodriguez and Melli. We need a miracle, which happens sometimes, but realistically they are super favorites. We will prepare and go to Istanbul to give everything, but we must be realistic. We certainly don’t give up, but I don’t want the kids to feel burdened with special responsibilities” 

Next game :
Barcelona (1) – Bayern (1) on April 27, 8:30 P.M CET
Istanbul (1) – Milano (1) on April 26, 7:30 P.M CET

Photo : Shavon Shields (Euroleague)