Wilbekin sinks Olympiacos in dramatic fashion
EUROLEAGUE REGULAR SEASON - ROUND 26
Scottie Wilbekin drained a late three-pointer to crush Olympiacos and earn a dramatic 71-70 victory for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague regular season.
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With 10 seconds remaining, Wilbekin took aim from the three-point line, subsequently hitting the target to deny Olympiacos a potentially vital victory in Israel. Wilbekin registered 21 points, four assists and three rebounds as Maccabi gained their 17th victory of the campaign, with the Israelis looking to lock down a place in the top four. Maccabi currently occupy fourth position.
Olympiacos, however, hold a 11-14 record in 11th spot as they continue to chase a playoff spot.
Shaquille McKissie and Wade Baldwin both reached double figures in terms of points for Olympiacos with 14 and 13 points respectively.
Next week, Maccabi Tel Aviv will take on Anadolu Efes in Israel, while Olympiacos face arch-rivals Panathinaikos in Piraeus.
THE MATCH
Maccabi, coached by former Olympiacos boss Ioannis Sfairopoulos, bossed the early proceedings in Tel Aviv.
The Israelis won both of the opening two periods to hold a commanding 10-point advantage at the half-time break.
Nevertheless, Olympiacos suddenly made a vast improvement in the third frame, outscoring Maccabi 21-13 to give themselves a great chance of winning.
In the fourth period, the Erythrolefki continued playing with the initiative, and Baldwin emphatically threw down a large dunk to put Olympiacos ahead by six:
Olympiacos were edging closer to a memorable triumph. However, with 10 seconds remaining, Wilbekin scored his fourth from downtown and Maccabi could celebrate.
