The action continues in full effect, with more and more leagues entering their true decisive phases. And when the decision approaches, players begin to lose their nerves.
In Poland, the final series between Prokom Trefl and Turow is now equal at 2-2. The Euroleague team and the ULEB Cup team are fighting hard to win the Polish title in this best-of-seven series. As for just how hard-fought this battle is, you can see it down low where Milan Gurovic is really showing what you mustn’t do on the court. Well, it wasn’t that bad … he only got a one-game suspension.
In Spain, where the playoffs are in best-of-three series until the Final, the big surprise came with the elimination of DKV Joventut by AXA FC Barcelona. After trailing 15-0, Joventut only got in the game a little bit later but then Rudy Fernandez was injured in a shocker with Jaka Lakovic. But the real thriller in the semis was the game in Malaga between Unicaja and TAU Ceramica. But watch the final minutes of the game for yourself:
In Italy, Montepaschi Siena had little trouble in defeating Armani Jeans Milano 3-0 in the semifinals. Romain Sato did an amazing job in limiting Danilo Gallinari to only 11 points on 2-of-8 shooting from 2. In addition, Sato contributed 21 points on 8-of-8 shooting. The Milano fans already knew what happened after Game 2 as they gave the deserved Standing Ovations to “Il Gallo” in what was probably his last game in Olimpia dress.
The second finalist will be Lottomatica who defeated Air Avellino, one of the surprising teams of the season. But for the fans in the Palasport del Mauro, it will be devotion next season as they have qualified for the Euroleague. Now, they have to find a Euroleague-like home, as their own arena is only built for 4,000 people.
In Israel, the championship will be decided with a Final Four faceoffs involving Maccabi Holon, Nahariya, Bnei Hasharon and of course Maccabi Tel Aviv. And the semifinal matchups could not be more different. Holon beat Nahariya in an offensive fireshow, 100-89, while dominating the boards. Maccabi is still having lots of trouble, however, and just won by 2 points against Bnei Hasharon. Will Holon go for the surprise of the year and beat Tel Aviv in the Final? Nothing is impossible anymore in the Israeli League.
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