EA7 EMPORIO ARMANI MILANO – VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA 98-96 OT (17-26, 36-47; 64-69, 84-84)
After three consecutive successes the Virtus falling asleep and surrendering LBA Super Cup a Milano. 40 minutes was not enough to end the first competition of the season between the two great protagonists of SerieA. In overtime, Olimpia won against Virtus because of Bolmaro’s last baskets. Segafredo got off to a strong start, ending the first half with an 11-point lead, but then Mirotic woke up and led Milan’s comeback. A Polonara in large form is useless to Virtus. Banchi’s team was dominated by Milan in rebounding who grabbed 45 caroms (14 offensive) against only 31 by Bologna. Now Virtus must lick their wounds and prepare for their championship debut in Trapani.
NEwS: compared to the semi-final in Napoli, Banchi lined up Hackett and Belinelli in the quintet. Virtus then started very strong, leading 17 – 9. Messina had to call a timeout to see that Milan was dangerous only in the attack of Nebo. Virtus’ play, on the other hand, is more choral and relies on the stars of Shengelia and Clyburn. Tonight Pajola showed his best face and then Segafredo ended the first quarter at 26 – 17 after some snakes from Morgan.
Triples from Tucker and Polonara further extended Juventus’ lead to +15 (37 – 22). Shields set himself to shake Olimpia, but on the other hand Belinelli joined the list of players who hit Milan from beyond the arc. At the end of the first half, a few whistles from the referee brightened the mood at Unipol Arena. Things heated up and Shengelia scored at the buzzer in the first half to put the score at 47 – 36.
Mirotic, completely silent for the first twenty minutes of the game, returned to the field with a different attitude and scored 15 points in the third quarter that continued to fight Virtus. Milan scored 53 with Segafredo committing five fouls after a few minutes. Banchi removed Hackett by inserting Pajola to try to block more than the positive Dimitrijevic.
A dunk from Nebo on the counterattack put Olimpia in front, then Segafredo used the same weapon as their opponents to return to the water line and from the love line Diouf and Pajola unblocked the Bianconeri. The end of the third quarter brought the signature of Rayjon Tucker who, with five consecutive points, returned Segafredo’s momentum. 69 – 64 in the 30th.
With Hackett and Pajola limited to fouls, Morgan can be found in the control room. The former London Lions player is at his best in the open field rather than in open defence. Clyburn hurt his hand and was forced to temporarily leave the field with Milano taking advantage of the situation to score, 5 vs 4, the equalizing shot of Bolmaro (72 – 72). Banchi again plays Shengelia from the center. The performers under the basket have changed, but the problem with the offensive rebounds provided remains with Milano getting four in a row. Mirotic continued to strike consistently, putting Olimpia ahead, before getting out for five fouls. The ending, as expected, is heart wrenching. Polonara wanted to take the stage: first he scored +1 (83 – 82), and then fiercely defended against Shields. Clyburn made 1 of 2 free throws allowing Milano to tie with a tap-in from Nebo. 84 to 84 and we’re going to overtime. Even in overtime, the star of Juventus was Polonara who scored two triples and then made a block like in the movie Nebo. Milan, however, were a very tough crack and with LeDay they found another draw. Shengelia fired three, while on the other side Bolmaro’s slingshot pierced the retina. It’s the basket that decides the game. End of 98-96.
Scoreboard
EA7 EMPORIO ARMANI MILANO – VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA 98-96 OT (17-26, 36-47; 64-69, 84-84)
MILAN: Dimitrjevic 16; Bortolani NE; Tonut 2; Bolmaro 18; Leday 11; Ricci 3; Flaccadori 0; Diop 0; Caruso NE; Shields 10; Nebo 20; Mirotic 18. All
BOLOGNA: Belinelli 3; Pajola 9; Clyburn 14; Shengelia 17; Hackett 3; Grazulis NE; Morgan 11; Polonara 18; Diouf 4; Zizic 6; Akele NE; Tucker 11. All