Galatasaray Liv Hospital overpowered by defending Euroleague champions

ISTANBUL

Olympiakos Piraeus' Vassilis Spanoulis vies for the ball with Galatasaray's Jamont Gordon. AFP photo

Turkish Champions Galatasaray were defeated by Olympiakos at their home court of Abdi İpekçi Arena in Istanbul 67-78 after being overpowered by their rivals during the fourth quarter.
 
Unable to match their opponents pace during the first half, Galatasaray Liv Hospital mounted a comeback in the third quarter, reducing the 12 points deficit to 2 under Carlos Arroyo’s helm and with critical points from Nate Jawai.
 
However the title-holders intensified their game during the last quarter to sink any hope of Turkish victory.
 
Olympiakos playmaker Vassilis Spanoulis was once again decisive with 19 points and three assists. Matthew Lojeski added 15 points and Brent Pentway clinched 11 points for Olympiakos, of which all players that left the bench scored.
 
The Australian Jawai led the Istanbul side with 22 points. Arroyo had 10 points and 4 assists and Erwin Dudley netted another 10 points.
 
The Lions who had won in Italy against Montepaschi Siena sum now one win and one defeat in Group C, led by Olympiacos.  
 
Elsewhere Real Madrid demolished Brose Basket 98-58 while Emporio Armani Milan knocked out Zalguiris Kaunas 82-75 in the Group B. Anadolu Efes, in the same group, will play against French side Strasbourg on Oct. 25.
 
Just like their archrivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe Ülker will host in Group A yet another favorite of the competition, FC Barcelona.