Anadolu Efes, Armani Milano take emphatic 2-0 lead in EuroLeague playoffs
Anadolu Efes and Armani Milano triumphed in Game 2 of their respective series and now are one step away from the EuroLeague Final Four.
At Sinan Erdem Dome, Efes was unstoppable for a second straight match and dominated Real Madrid (91-68) to take a 2-0 lead in the EuroLeague playoff series.
The Turks were in front from start to finish and never looked back. They led by as many as 27 points (87-60) and cruised to an easy victory.
On the other hand, the “Whites” had to play without star center Walter Tavares and failed to remain competitive for most of the game.
The visitors are on the brink of elimination from the EuroLeague playoffs and now have their sights set in a must-win battle in Madrid next week.
“We need to win one more game. Now it’s 2-0. We will play again in Madrid. Every match is difficult. We know also tonight they missed their best player, Tavares, so it’s very important for them in that situation,” Efes head coach Ergin Ataman said afterwards.
Game 3 between the two EuroLeague powerhouses is on Tuesday, April 27. If Efes wins, they will sweep the series and advance to the EuroLeague Final Four.
If Real wins, though, they will force a Game 4 on Thursday, April 29.
In Milano, Armani endured the comeback of Bayern Munich and rallied past the Bavarians (80-69) to remain unbeaten in the EuroLeague playoff series (2-0).
The hosts led by 18 at halftime (47-29), but saw the visitors cut the deficit to six late in the third quarter (55-49).
Yet, they stood tall and brought their lead back to double digits (65-53) to seal the deal and claim their second straight win in the EuroLeague playoffs.
“We knew it was going to be a very tough game. They are a tough team. Last game we overcame a big deficit. We have the 2-0 [lead], we are happy,” Armani star guard Sergio Rodriguez told reporters, via EuroLeague.net.
Armani and Bayern will face each other in Game 3 on Wednesday, April 28. If the Italians win, they will reach the EuroLeague Final Four with a sweep.
But, if the Bavarians win, they will cut the deficit to 2-1 and Game 4 of the EuroLeague playoff series will take place on Friday night.