EuroLeague: Olimpia Milano Edges FC Barcelona 87-84 as Zach LeDay Leads Despite Late Blaugrana Rally

MILAN — Olimpia Milano defeated FC Barcelona 87-84 on Matchday 30 of the EuroLeague in a game that appeared decided after three dominant quarters by the Italian side, but was ultimately settled in the final seconds following a late comeback attempt by Xavi Pascual's team.

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The Milan side built its victory on the back of a solid performance throughout much of the game. Zach LeDay was the standout player of the contest with 16 points and seven rebounds, leading a balanced offensive attack in which Leandro Bolmaro also contributed 13 points, while Josh Nebo and Shavon Shields added 12 each and Armoni Brooks chipped in 11.

For FC Barcelona, Jan Vesely and Tornike Shengelia were the leading scorers with 15 points each, while Tomas Satoransky contributed 11 points in a comeback attempt that came too late.

The team coached by Giuseppe Poeta faced the game with significant absences, losing Bryant Dunston and Diego Flaccadori before the start. Despite this, Olimpia Milano delivered three quarters of high-level play and ultimately decided the game with a particularly dominant third quarter that they won 32-17, allowing the Italians to open up a wide lead on the scoreboard (78-51).

However, the fourth quarter completely changed the pace of the game. The Blaugrana side reacted with a 33-9 run that drastically cut into the deficit. Tomas Satoransky hit two consecutive three-pointers that brought it to 86-84 with four seconds remaining, bringing uncertainty back to the contest.

Shavon Shields converted one of his free throws to extend the home team's advantage slightly, and on the final possession Tornike Shengelia attempted a half-court shot to tie the game, but the shot didn't fall and the victory remained in Milan.

With this result, Olimpia Milano sits in 11th place in the EuroLeague with a record of 15-15 and will host Maccabi Tel Aviv in the next matchday. FC Barcelona, meanwhile, holds a record of 17-13 and will host Hapoel Tel Aviv in eight days.