Olimpia had a great start and an impressive first half against the defending EuroLeague champions of Efes Istanbul, leading by as many as 13 points, shooting the ball extremely well and defending too at a high level. The energy tank grew dry in the second half, when Efes used its advanced preparation and familiarity to take control of the game and to win 95-83. Efes built its win in a commanding 30-point third period. Olimpia led 17-5 at the start, 50-37 in the second period and closed the half ahead 52-46. In the fourth period, it came back within eight, before succumbing. Coach Ettore Messina played 13 all his 13 available players (Malcolm Delaney and Kaleb Tarczewski were out), started with Shavon Shields at the shooting guard position, taking advantage of his size to score eight early points, and had to use Nicolò Melli at the center spot, since Tarczewski wasn’t available as Kyle Hines back up. Efes relied on its core players, Vasilije Micic, the incumbent EuroLeague MVP, was extraordinary throughout the game, Kruno Simon scored 15 of his 19 points in the first half, Rodrigue Beaubois, held to three points in the first half, exploded in the second. Efes was without Shane Larkin and Tibor Pleiss but for the first time had former ABA’s MVP, Filip Petrusev. The only Efes’ newcomer had an outstanding first half, keeping his team in contention with his inside game. When Olimpia attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, starting with two consecutive threes made by Ricci and Moraschini, led by Nicolò Melli all-around game, Chris Singleton with five consecutive points closed the deal for Efes. The teams will meet again on Saturday. Olimpia will then proceed to Paris to participate to the “European Games” inaugural edition.

BOXSCORE

Olimpia Milano-Anadolu Efes 83-95 (25-24, 52-46, 61-76)

Olimpia: Grant 11 (2/4, 1/4, 4/4 ft), Shields 8 (3/6 2pt), Datome 7 (0/1, 2/3, 1/1 ft), Melli 11 (4/6, 1/2), Hines 4 (2/3), Hall 8 (1/1, 2/5), Mitoglou 7 (3/6, 0/1), Rodriguez 14 (2/3, 3/5), Ricci 3 (0/1, 1/2), Daniels 6 (0/1, 2/6), Biligha 1 (0/1, 1/2 ft), Alviti (0/2 da 3), Moraschini 3 (0/1, 1/2).

Efes Istanbul: Micic 25, Beaubois 17, Anderson 2, Singleton 7, Dunston 3, Moerman 2, Simon 19, Petrusev 18, Tuncer 2, Balbay.