Sergio Llull was clutch for Real Madrid and led the “Whites” past Armani Milano in an overtime thriller (92-88).
The captain of the EuroLeague powerhouse was the one that helped Real make a 7-0 run in crunch time and force overtime.
The hosts made a better start to the game (21-12), but the Italians quickly came back (29-30). Real regained the lead (41-34), but Armani managed to tie the game at halftime (41-41).
The Spaniards attempted to take control in the third (50-44), but Malcolm Delaney tied the game after 30 minutes (61-61). Late in the fourth, the visitors led by seven, but Llull was unstoppable and forced overtime (81-81).
In the extra period, the veteran guard made some clutch plays again and Nigel Williams-Goss sealed the deal from the free-throw line.
MVP: Sergio Llull was the main reason for Real Madrid’s victory. Not only did he lead the way for the winners (20 points), but made some big shots in crunch time.
Key to victory: The 7-0 run that Real Madrid made in the final two minutes of regulation. Thanks to this run, the “Whites” forced overtime, gained the momentum and went on to win the game.
Sergio Llull and Real Madrid snapped their four-game losing streak and improved to 21-7. On the contrary, Armani dropped to 18-9 on the table.
Based on the new standings, though, the hosts now are at 17-6, whereas the Italians fell to 16-7. Real took the upper hand in the battle of the second place and also has the tie-breaker.
Next week, Real Madrid welcomes ASVEL Villeurbanne (March 17). For its part, Armani Milano will host Bayern Munich a day later (March 18).
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
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