Olimpia’s EuroLeague debut was a resounding win over Maccabi on a thriller. The final score was 99-97. With a series of crazy shots and a couple of lucky breaks Maccabi cameback and shrank a 10-point very late lead in a one-point game. Ricky Hickman making free throws after free throws preserved the win. He almost did becauae when he missed a single foul shot with three seconds left Maccabi had an unexpected opportunity to force the overtime. Jamel McLean with a huge block saved the day. Olimpia tried many times to get away and led for most of the night by as many as 12 points. It was an offensive masterpiece with five players scoring in double digit and taking turns at attacking Maccabi’s defense. But the yellow wave kept coming back through the thrilling finish.

Olimpia played without Rakim Sanders because of flu-like symptoms. It was bad because he was supposed to be a perfect fit against the perimeter power forwards Maccabi implemented.