Olympiacos beats Barcelona 105-100 in overtime at Palau Blaugrana, moves to 5-1

Overtime win in Barcelona

Olympiacos beat Barcelona 105-100 in overtime on Friday, 16 October, at the Palau Blaugrana, in the sixth round of the EuroLeague regular season. The win lifted Olympiacos to 5-1, while Barcelona slipped to 3-3. The home side led 30-26 after the first quarter, but Olympiacos led 57-47 at halftime. Olympiacos had lost a 12-point lead in the final period, and Robinson hit a three-pointer in the closing seconds to force extra time. In the five-minute overtime, Montero's playmaking and Entzai's scoring settled the game in the visitors' favour.

Injuries and rotation

Olympiacos finished the game without several players at full strength. Milutinov did not play because of discomfort in his midsection. Montero took a blow to his ankle but asked to play, and he stayed on the court despite a problem with his leg. Hall left the court in the second quarter and went to the locker room, and he returned to the game later. Entzai and Hall also picked up knocks during the game, and Fournier fouled out after picking up five fouls. Despite the absences and problems, the team kept its lead for most of the game and fought back when Barcelona tied the score late in regulation.

Performances and records

Vezenkov led Olympiacos with 25 points and six rebounds. Entzai added 17 points and six rebounds, Miller-McIntyre contributed 17 points and four assists, and Montero had 13 points and seven assists. For Barcelona, Robinson and Martin stood out, and Nebo and Brizuela also made important contributions. The scoring list shows how the visitors spread the load across their rotation in a game that stayed close from start to finish.

Bartzokas and Guardiola

Coach Giorgos Bartzokas was satisfied with his players after the win. He said the team had done well despite the injuries and pointed to the way his players handled the extra period.

Of the seven games we have played, we have won six. I am more than satisfied with my players.

Bartzokas added that the team had shown its character against a difficult opponent.

We showed our character and how difficult an opponent we are.

Pep Guardiola watched the game in person from the Barcelona arena. After the final buzzer, Vezenkov went straight to greet him, and the two shared a warm handshake and posed for a photo. Both have ties to the club, since Guardiola coached Barcelona's football side and Vezenkov made his career in the basketball section.

Next fixtures

Olympiacos play away at Vikos Falcons Ioannina on Sunday, 18 October at 13:00, in round 3 of the Stoiximan GBL. The team then hosts Fenerbahce at Sunel Arena on Friday, 23 October at 21:15, in the EuroLeague. According to the schedule reported after the game, Olympiacos plays seven of its next nine games at Sunel Arena.