Real Madrid needed the win to secure its fourth place in the standing and made sure to establish its pace, will and strenght since the beginning when a 12-0 early run created a 10-point deficit that it was impossible to overcome. “We missed good shots early and gave them the opportunity to score on the break – Coach Pianigiani said – When they opened that gap the game became almost impossible. Against such a great team you can try to comeback from 9-10 points down but not from 16 or 18. We tried but the energy was not enough”. Real Madrid won 88-77. In the fourth quarter it had a 20-point lead but Olimpia used its pride to attempt an incredible comeback led by Curtis Jerrells. He almost single-handedly reduced the margin to nine before missing the shot to come within six with plenty of time remaining. “Early in the game they blocked some shots protecting the rim. Our bigs who have been great so far panicked a little and didn’t finish around the rim like they usually do. That was another key” Pianigiani said.