One of the best games of the season resulted in a loss probably undeserved by Olimpia in Madrid, 92-89 with three attempts to tie the game that were unsuccessful. After playing an almost perfect first quarter and leading three times by as many as 18 points in the first half, Olimpia struggled to stay consistent when Kaleb Tarczewski and especially Nemanja Nedovic were plagued by foul trouble. Nedovic, on his way to a dominating second quarter, was called for an offensive foul and then a technical foul that was his third personal. In fact, it was a very costly call. Olimpia led by six at the half, then responded every time that Real Madrid tried to get away, up until the end. “We played a great game for more than one quarter – Coach Simone Pianigiani said – Unfortunately we struggled when the fouls hit a couple of our players. That was when we let Real Madrid come back too fast. Once more we played a close game until the end, on the road, against this kind of incredible team. We promised to leave everything on the floor and we did, that’s a good sign for this team and a club that deserves to make the playoffs”. Mike James had a 21-point first half, finished with 35, a career-high, like his 37 points of index rating and an incredible eight rebounds. He wasn’t the only one to shine in Madrid, but it wasn’t enough for the win and that’s unjust.