Turkish Airlines EuroLeague: Real Madrid and Olympiacos cruise

After CSKA Moscow and Fenerbahce Istanbul laid down a marker in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Play-Offs yesterday, it was the chance of the other title hopefuls. Former champions Real Madrid and Olympiacos Piraeus claimed home victories to take an early advantage in their best of five series on Wednesday.

Real Madrid vs. Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul, 83-75

Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season champions Real Madrid looked solid in seeing off Darussafaka Dogus Istanbul in the Spanish capital. The win gives Los Blancos a 1-0 series lead and the club has another home game in two days’ time. Madrid will be desperate to head to Istanbul with a 2-0 advantage as Darussafaka is very dangerous at home.

Through ten minutes the tie looked to be going to the guests as Darussafaka opened a commanding 16-24 lead. Real Madrid rallied back into contention with a 20-13 second quarter that made it 36-37 through the long break. The hosts had the momentum and made it count with a stunning 25-16 third act that made it 61-53 through thirty minutes. Madrid was able to coast through the fourth quarter to victory.

Sergio Llull dropped 23 points to lead Los Blancos, while Gustavo Ayon added 14 points.

Brad Wanamaker paced Darussafaka with 21 points, followed by Will Clyburn with 17 points.

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Olimpiacos Pireaus vs. Anadolu Efes Istanbul, 87-72

Another former Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champ claimed a win over Istanbul opposition as Olympiacos defeated Anadolu Efes at home. This was a straight forward victory that Olympiacos will hope to double down on in Game 2.

The hosts took charge early on and were seven points clear at the first split, with the score at 18-11. Anadolu Efes improved in the second quarter, but so did Olympiacos, with the Greek giant extending by four points to 42-31 through halftime. The home team was in total control and claimed a 25-19 third frame to take the game out of reach. A fourth quarter procession followed as Olympiacos claimed the opening game.

Vangelis Mantzaris topped Olympiacos with 14 points, while Breck Green added 13 points. Georgios Printezis was good for a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Tyler Honeycutt also doubled up for the Turkish club, claiming a game-high 17 points and 10 rebounds.