Real Madrid runs to 88-71 Game 1 victory over Olympiacos

In a rematch of the last year’s Euroleague title game, Real Madrid never stopped running on its home floor, overcoming a strong charge from reigning champion Olympiacos Piraeus before pulling away to an 88-71 decision in Game 1 of their best-of-five playoff series. Game 2 scheduled for Thursday night in the Spanish capital, before the series moves to Piraeus next week. Madrid stormed out of the gates, using defense to get fastbreaks and a 27-12 lead after the first quarter. Reminiscent of that title game a year ago, however, Olympiacos rallied in the second quarter behind the Vassilis Spanoulis to tie the score at 35-35 and 40-40, but the Reds never regained the lead. A strong finish from Sergio Rodriguez gave the hosts a 48-41 halftime lead, before Rudy Fernandez took over after the break, boosting the difference to 68-51 as Madrid cruised to victory in the final quarter. Fernandez paced the winners with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Nikola Mirotic had 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals, while Rodriguez and Sergio Llull netted 12 apiece for Madrid. Spanoulis finished the game with 18 points and 5 assists. Georgios Printezis returned from injury after five games to score 10 points for Olympiacos, while Cedric Simmons chipped in with 8 points plus 7 rebounds.