Olimpia played with great personality in Zadar and defeated Maccabi 80-75 after a close game that was decided in the final possessions. However Olimpia lead most of the game, trailing only briefly in the second and the fourth quarter. Anytime, it went down, it responded, led by Mike James’ 20 points and eight rebounds, Nemanja Nedovic 13-point second half and terrific physical inside game by Arturas Gudaitis who protected the rim, grabbed seven rebounds and made six of his seven free-throws. In the last minute, Mike James with a spectacular reverse lay-up extended the lead at three points, then Olimpia was outstanding defensively forcing DeAndre Kane to attempt a fade-away three-pointer that became an air-ball. Nedovic made two ensuing free-throw and Olimpia closed the deal. It was a game plagued by many turnovers, missed open shots with both teams struggling with familiarity, absences and players just back from their National Teams commitment, but also with interesting moments, an attractive duel between Wilbekin and James, two of the top point-guards in the competition. Still, Olimpia led convincingly, showed great character, many players went up and down but responded. Jeff Brooks had a great all-around game especially at the defensive end of the floor, Vlado Micov missed open shots that he normally makes but he also moved the ball effectively. Olimpia will play again on Saturday against Fenerbhace Istanbul.

THE BOXSCORE

A|X Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano-Maccabi Tel Aviv 80-75

Olimpia: James 20 (2/6, 4/8, 8 reb), Cinciarini (0/1, 0/1, 2 stl), Nedovic 13 (0/2, 3/5, 6/6 ft), Fonteecchio 4 (1/1 3pt), Micov 6 (3/4, 0/4, 4 ast), Della Valle 5 (1/2, 1/3) Tarczewski 6 (2/5), Gudaitis 12 (3/3, 6/7 ft, 7 reb), Kuzminsks 6 (0/1, 1/3), Burns 1, Brooks 7 (1/3, 1/3, 8 reb).

Maccabi: Ray 8, Wilbekin 15, O’Bryant 12, Caloiaro 10, Roll 3, Kane 3, Avdija, Tyus 6, Levi 4, Cohen 11, Zoosman 3.