European Champions' Cup Play-Offs 1965-1966

The overall prognosis was confirmed when Milan's Simmenthal won the European Cup, the first for an Italian team, in front of a frenzied crowd of Milanese supporters who filled the Palazzo di Sporto in Bologna. The American duo Bradley-Thoren, backed by Vianello's goalscoring prowess, dashed the Czechs' hopes. However, Slavia's speed of play was to put Simmenthal through their paces.

The Italian side got off to a flying start, and within eight minutes they were ten points clear (19-9). However, Slavia were unimpressed by Simmenthal's rampaging start and the deafening sound of the atmosphere, and thanks to the input of Baroch, Sastny and Zidek, they managed not only to draw the game (21-21, min. 12), but even to take the lead (22-27). The Milan squad, led by Vianello, Bradley and Thoren, were able to react in time and at half-time they went six points clear (41-35).

A second half whirlwind start from Simmenthal gave them the maximum advantage for the whole game (53-39, min. 25), and although the Czechoslovakian team managed to get close again on the scoreboard (53-51), Cesare Rubini's men were able to play their cards well and ended up with the victory and the European title.

Courtesy of BasketFinals

Simmenthal Milano - Slavia Praha 77-72
Simmenthal Olimpia (coach: Cesare Rubini): Gianfranco Pieri 4, Bill Bradley 14, Gabriele Vianello 21, Massimo Masini 3, Skip Thoren (208-C-1943, college: Illinois) 21; Giulio Iellini 4, Sandro Riminucci 10, Giandomenico Ongaro, Marco Binda, Luciano Gnocchi dnp
TJ Slavia VS (coach: Jaroslav Sip): Karel Baroch 10, Jiri Ammer 11, Jaroslav Krivy 5, Jiri Stastny 6, Jiri Zidek 20; Jiri Zednicek 10, Jaroslav Kovar 10, Jiri Konopasek, Jiri Lizalek, Josef Kraus dnp, Vladimir Knop dnp, Jan Blazek