Olimpia came up short in Vitoria, losing 88-83 after a very close second half. A 12-0 run to start the second period allowed Baskonia to turn a one-point deficit into a 11-point lead. From that point on, Olimpia played catch-up, trying to get back in the game. In the fourth quarter, the score was tied a few times and Olimpia had even the shot to take the lead late. In the end, Trent Forrest proved unstoppable down the stretch. “We made some defensive mistakes in the first half – Coach Mario Fioretti said – The second half was better bur every now and then we couldn’t finish the possession. Their offensive rebounds killed our chances. They cost us the win.”

Both teams shot better from the outside than from inside the arc. Olimpia has 12 threes and 16 assists, Baskonia capitalized better on foul shots trips. Offensive rebounds especially when Olimpia was forced to play small inside were a factor. Willie Caruso had another promising game at center replacing the injured Ousmane Diop and David McCormack, supporting Josh Nebo’s playing time restrictions. Olimpia was led by Nikola Mirotic’s 16 points in the first half. He finished with 21.

In the second half there was a great stretch by Neno Dimitrijevic who finished the game with 15 points. “He played for long stretches, he was fatigued and I had to take him out of the game and sub offense for defense late in the game,” Fioretti said. Armoni Brooks was the most consistent player. He has another 17-point effort, his third double-digit game. He is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous shooter in the EuroLeague. His dagger late in the game took Olimpia within one. Unfortunately, Mirotic and Bolmaro difficult attempt to tie the game up came up short.