Real Madrid returned to the EuroLeague summit for the first time since opening night with a last-gasp 91-89 win over Brose Bamberg in Germany.
Sergio Llull broke the hearts of 8,000 Bamberg fans, including WWE superstar Cesaro as his floater with 1.1 seconds left decided the outcome, in what was an enthralling battle, a stark contrast to their last meeting back in Madrid that was over before it started.
“We are very happy,” said Llull who tallied 26 points for Real.
“It is an important win in a tough court against a team that is playing really well. It is an important win for us because it allows us to lead the standings.”
For the Germans, who have had their fair share of last second heartbreak this season, they drop to 7-12.
Olympiacos failed to keep up the pace with the top two as they fell 99-83 to EA7 Milano who in their own right have bounced back from a 10-game losing streak to claim their second straight win.
The Piraeus outfit tied its club record with 21 offensive rebounds, but Milan overcame the visitors’ domination on the glass with a big performance in the fourth-quarter when they scored 32 points against the league’s best defence.
Krunoslav Simon led the winners with 16 points.
“We struggled under the boards early in the game, allowing them to grab 14 offensive rebounds,” stated Milano coach Jasmin Respesa.
“That’s obvious, but in the second half, against the best defensive team in the EuroLeague, we probably played the best game of our season, scoring almost 100 points and responding to their physicality. It’s a win we needed.”
Anadolu Efes narrowed the gap in the race for the final Playoff spot as they beat Darussafaka Dogus 91-83 in the Istanbul derby.
The win also secures what could be a vital head-to-head series with just one win separating the two sides in the standings.
Brandon Paul led the winners with 21 points.
