The curse is over. After almost 33 years, it was the 1987/88 season, Olimpia invades the iconic Yad Elyiahu and comes out the winner in Tel Aviv. It was a hard-fought game, decided by a mid-range, contested, tough, marvelous jumper over Scottie Wilbekin outstretched arms, made by Malcolm Delaney, 86-85 after an overtime. “It was a one-possession game – Coach Ettore Messina commented – we have to be realistic, it could have gone either way. We made some big shots, we played well defensively when needed.”

Olimpia trailed by as many as eight points early in the game, but took control with an impressive 14-0 run to close the second quarter (a three-pointer made by Micov was ruled as a two during the intermission). The second half was a battle (“We played very well in the second part of the second quarter, but the first part of third could cost us dearly,” Messina pointed out), Olimpia led for the most part, but very late in the game a couple of great plays by Scottie Wilbekin seemed to swing the pendulum Maccabi’s way. The yellow team led 70-66, but Kevin Punter made the second greatest play of the game, converting a 4-point play. Olimpia’s defense forced Wilbekin to an air-ball and sent the game to the overtime.

The extra-time was another hard-fought contest. Jeff Brooks made a couple of great plays, including a three, but Maccabi responded every single time. Sergio Rodriguez tried to put a dagger in Maccabi’s heart with another great three to put Olimpia up by one. Wilbekin got fouled on the ensuing possession, went to the line and made his free throws. There was one more possession for Olimpia. Malcolm Delaney took the responsibility on his shoulder, picked his spot, elevated and made the winning jumper. It was sweet music. He scored 17 points for the game. Kevin Punter added 18, Shavon Shields scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Kyle Hines scored 12 points to go along eight boards and countless defensive plays.