The THRYLOS Never Dies
EUROLEAGUE - final 4 (semi-finals)
| Olympiacos | 82 - 78 | CSKA Moscow |
|---|---|---|
Olympiacos pulled off a massive 82-78 victory over the defending champions CSKA Moscow to advance to Sunday’s Euroleague Final. CSKA Moscow held the lead for most of the game, but it was Olympiacos who once again defied all odds and marched on at the expense of the Russian side.
Olympiacos and CSKA Moscow tipped-off the 2017 Euroleague Final-4 in Konstantinoupoli with the defending champions coming into the game as the heavy favorites.
CSKA took the lead early on and held it for most of the first half, being the better team on the court. The Russian side increased their lead to double digits in the second quarter but a stunning buzzer beater from Agravanis at the end of the first half brought Olympiacos within seven points (40-33).
In the third quarter, CSKA Moscow maintained their lead and on multiple occasions were on the verge from running away with the game. However, on every occasion Olympiacos would crawl their way back into the score and were determined not to go down without a fight.
It was sure to be a dramatic finale in the final ten minutes with Spanoulis leading Olympiacos’ charge as the Erythrolefki pulled within striking distance of CSKA Moscow.
With under two minutes remaining, CSKA held a two point lead before Spanoulis posted up from behind the arch and put Olympiacos ahead by one (74-73). A great alley-oop play between the Erythrolefki gave Olympiacos a 3-point lead (76-73) before Teodosic pulled CSKA level (76-76) with his 3-point attempt. But it was Green who re-gave Olympiacos a 3-point lead (79-76) converting from behind the 3-point line with under a minute to play.
Teodosic went 1/2 from the free thrown line (79-77) and after a failed offensive possession for Olympiacos, Teodosic was unable to convert a three point attempt, which would have put his side ahead. That was CSKA’s final attempt to get back into the game and Green’s two free throws secured Olympiacos’ 82-78 victory.
Papanikolaou, the hero in the third quarter, and Spanoulis the hero in the fourth quarter each finished with 14 points. Printezis also added 14 points for the Erythrolefki. Green, who scored the clutch go ahead 3-pointer, only scored 8 points and ended his mediocre night in great fashion.
For CSKA Moscow, former Olympiacos man Milos Teodosic finished with 23 points (was playing on an injury) while De Colo finished with 16 points.
Olympiacos will now await on Sunday the winner of the other semi-final between Fenerbahce and Real Madrid with hopes of winning their 4th Euroleague title in club history.
Our AGONAsport viewers had the pleasure of watching Olympiacos - CKSA Moscow via Live stream! For more details about LIVE Greek TV visit here.
