All-conquering in Italy for a number of years now, Siena entered the Euroleague season simply looking to better their Top 16 finish in 2010 and at 23.00, there were few punters backing them for glory in May. They were impressive performers in the Regular Season, though, beating Fenerbahçe Ülker and Regal FC Barcelona to the Group C summit.
Another Spanish-Turkish axis blocked the Italians’ path in the Top 16 yet they had come in to 15.00 to be Outright Winners. After losing their first two games, things looked grim for Siena but four consecutive wins – including victory at Real Madrid’s Caja Mágica on the final gameweek – saved their Euroleague campaign.
2010 finalists Olympiacos made Montepaschi Siena 3.50 underdogs in their quarter-final clash and after a humiliating 48-point rout in Game 1, few people gave them a hope of winning the series. Miraculously they proceeded to win three-in-a-row, however, and consigned that embarrassing night at the Peace and Friendship Stadium to history.
Siena have won back-to-back domestic trebles but a European trophy still eludes them, despite going to the 2003, 2004 and 2008 Final Fours. They are 5.75 to shock the Euro basketball scene yet again and in a season full of surprises, will you be tipping the Italians?
Star man: Bo McCalebb
Sportingbet Outright Winner Odds: 5.75