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Give it up for Montepaschi
I've got to give it to Montepaschi, first of all. They proved me wrong. That was one series that I guessed might go to the underrated team, Fenerbahce. It didn't happen. Montepaschi played their very economical game and played very effectively, the way they have all season in the Italian League and the Euroleague as well. I thought Fenerbahce would carry over its momentum from the Top 16 and get great performances again from Will Solomon. But Montepaschi did a really good job on him and deserved to advance. They played their role of favorite really well. I was particularly surprised by how easily they won in Istanbul. I thought Fenerbahce would win at home and they would go to three games. Congratulations to Montepaschi for surprising me.
CSKA-Olympiacos (series tied 1-1)
Now for the winners away from home, CSKA and Olympiacos. I think CSKA proved why it's a club of champions because they were down not only after losing the first game, but were also down big in the first quarter in Piraeus and rallied from both those deficits. That showed, as they like to say in the States, that the opera ain't over until the fat lady sings. By coming back like that, CSKA showed again that its roster is loaded with experience and quality. They fought back and beat Olympiacos on a very tough court. I think the first game, looking back at it, was a huge surprise, and was based on great guard play, especially by Lynn Greer. I think basketball is becoming more guard-oriented lately with the three-point shot and the speed of the game. You need a big man, true, because without one it's hard to win a series. But in single games, the guards can carry a team, that's for sure.
Anyway, now CSKA is back to its home court for Game 3, and I don't think they'll lose there this time. That first game was maybe a wake-up call for them. I think any champion gets one wake-up call along the way. That could have been CSKA's, and they certainly showed a lot of character coming back from double digits early in the game in Piraeus to take a lead by halftime. If you look at it closely, they just have so much experience, guys who have been through battles to win championships on the European and domestic levels. Without question, that experience shows. Olympiacos did a great job to win up there last time. The motivation factor under Coach Giannakis is obvious. Still, I think that in Game 3, CSKA are off-the-board favorites and, since I picked them to win it all, I've got to go with them. I think they learned their lesson and for this crucial home game will be ultra-focused on making it to the Final Four.
Tau Ceramica- Partizan Igokea (1-1)
I did both of their games on Czech TV last week, and I tell you it's tough to come up with a hotter team in Europe or one that is playing more to its potential than Partizan. I enjoy every second of their games, just looking at this group of 19- to 21-year-olds standing up to one of the best European clubs, which is trying to make its fourth Final Four in a row. They're game really appeals to me because the cornerstone of the roster is young, talented players, and when you add the atmosphere at Pionir Arena, it's something to see. I think it's hard to find a better sports atmosphere anywhere in Europe. I think those fans deserve 15 points worth of credit in the Game 2 victory. And Pekovic deserves a lot of credit, too. Even with Tau knowing he would be the focal point of the offense, they let him receive deep in the post, and with his dexterity shooting with both hands, receiving just a few feet from the basket he's too energetic to contain. He was really reading the double teams well, but just to see how much energy he exerts for the team is amazing. Even when he doesn't receive the ball, he fights 15 seconds with the Tau big men. A whole group of guys take turns on him - McDonald, Splitter, Singleton, Teletovic - but he just keeps going. The physical aspect of his game is just incredible, how long he lasts playing tough. He gets credit for fighting to get position so close to the basket and big credit goes to Partizan for its patience in working the ball inside to him. It's tough to find any other European club playing with so much patience. Sometimes they get it there with just 5 seconds to go on the shot clock, but he gets such good position, it's possible to score in just a couple...
Just the same, if you look at Game 3, with Partizan being young guys who really feed of that home crowd, taking that into consideration and that Tau's is a tough court to win on, I'd have to go with Tau. At same time, them losing by 12 in the Spanish League this weekend to Joventut Badalona, and with 28 turnovers, tells me that Tau isn't in the greatest shape these days. They'll have to take over this game early, because the longer Partizan stays in it will be to Tau's disadvantage. But after three Final Fours in three years, and going for a fourth, you have to go with the home team. If you believe in the experience of Planinic, Rakocevic and Priginioni, and you believe the perimeter controls games now, you have to go with Tau this week.
Maccabi-Barcelona (1-1)
Again, I think that Maccabi is a very strong team at home and has proved that over many seasons. It's just tough for any team to come out onto the court at Nokia Arena and win, no matter what the circumstances. For Barcelona, the key to Game 3 will be guard play again, which is basically how Jaka Lakovic and Pepe Sanchez handle things. They have energy guys under the basket, too, but for Barcelona, it still comes down to the play of Lakovic and Pepe, for me. Lakovic is more of the aggressive scorer and Pepe the distributor who involves other guys and doesn't have to score himself. But even so, I have to go with the home team, because of that great crowd and because I think that Zvika Sherf has the guys on Maccabi's bench believing in each other and pulling in one direction. Maccabi has made big strides, and I like their enthusiasm and energy.
POSTED BY
Jiri Zidek, Nymburk, Czech Republic
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