Only arithmetic keeps EA7 Milano still in the running for the playoffs.
The merciless 89-69 defeat against Efes sanctions the definitive end of Olimpia's desperate comeback towards eighth place, two wins and three games from the end, while, instead, it allows the two European champions to continue hoping to avoid a sensational elimination.
In Istanbul, Milan held up for just over a quarter (22-25 in the 13th minute) thanks to three triples by Voigtmann (12), before sinking under Clyburn's baskets (16 with 4/6 from three, 5 steals and 25 rating), Larkin (18 and 5 assists), Beaubois (12), Bryant (12) and former mvp Micic (15 and 6 rebounds): the Turks even fly to +23 (66-43 in the 27th minute) , taking advantage of the myriad of lost opponents (17) which allows them to run in the open field,
and rebound dominance.
The turnover of Luwawu-Cabarrot (19) comes after the tender is abundantly closed.