Maccabi Elite Tel Aviv made tonight a giant step towards ending the Regular Season of the Euroleague on top of Grouop B, by winning 90-86 in Siena over Montepaschi. Maccabi has now an advantage of two wins over Siena, Barcleona, Zalgiris and Pesaro, with 5 games to go.
Maccabi had a brilliant start to the game (24-8) and led 29-21 at the end of the first quarter. The home team ran 12-0 at the start of the second period to take a 33-31 lead. But Maccabi came back and at half time they led 48-42.
The Euroleague champions led 52-44 when a clear blocked shot by Maceo Baston was given as goaltending. Coach Pini Gershon objected and a technical foul was called and so Siena made 6 points in one play to make the score 52-50. Maccabi reacted with a 14-2 run (66-52) and a three pointer by Anthony Parker on the buzzer made it 69-57 at the end of the third.
Two triplets by Galanda opened the final period but Maccabi held a 74-62 lead with seven minutes to go. Then veteran Carlton Myers stepped in with three consecutive triplets and Maccai's lead was cut to 76-74. The visitors saw Baston & Burstein fouled out but Parker, Thomas, Shelef & Saras, played magnificently and kept a narrow lead. With 16 seconds from time, Stefanov missed under the basket. Saras & Parker scored from the line and gave Maccabi their sixth win in six meetings with Montepaschi.
Maccabi had a 37-28 advantage in rebounds and made 28 out of 31 free throws.
Another incredible game by Anthony Parker with 28 pts in 62% FG & 100% in FT, 9 rbds, 3 ass & 2 steals. Deon Thomas impressed again with 13 pts in 100%FG & FT as well as 7 rbds.