EA7 OLIMPIA MILANO – VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA 85-73 (22-23, 46-36; 66-50)
After three very balanced matches, Milan drew a blank in game 4 and won its third championship in a row. The match was decided in the second quarter, with two impromptu triples from Melli and Napier first, and with the total domination of Mirotic (30+12) then, with Shengelia unable to stop him in any way. The employees to the referees – after the enormous controversy of game 3 – they will point out that in the first 20′ Milan passed with bonuses in favor of a total of 8 minutes and 7 seconds, and Virtus 45 seconds. In the third quarter, however, Olimpia completely split the game, reaching over +20, and essentially the game was over, even if the Vu Nere never gave up, and tried to come back (in vain) until the last second . But by shooting only 5/25 threes, you never win at the Forum, especially if all the veterans have struggled enormously, which is also understandable after 82 games. On the other hand, however, the Milan champions responded presently, and this made the difference.
At Segafredo the regrets of this championship final – which are enormous, there’s no point in beating around the bush – are for game 1 and game 3, certainly not for tonight. If in those two races two good trains passed and were lost, in race 4 we practically remained at the station.
News: Virtus starts with 5 in a row from Hackett, who however commits two quick fouls and is forced to come off. Milan’s defense goes up a notch, the Bianconeri make a lot of mistakes and end up 15-7 down. Banchi tests Mascolo for a couple of actions – due to Pajola losing a lens – but it’s definitely not air. The reaction is entrusted to Cordinier and Pajola for the 15-15. The Frenchman is very hot, and scores 10 in the first quarter: 22-23 at 10′.
Olimpia raises its tone again in defence, and Melli has a sensational impact. With two triples in broken games, one from him and one from Napier, there is a new break: 36-28. Mirotic scores five points in a row – with a basket and a foul that makes Shengelia feel impatient, and the score is +11 (41-30). Nobody seems to be able to stop the Montenegrin, who at half-time is at 18 with also excellent defensive contribution: 46-36 at half.
After the break, Virtus immediately goes into a prolonged breakdown: Mirotic and Melli again against a helpless Shengelia, who is passed from all sides, and quickly commits the fourth foul. The score is -20 (56-36), with almost 4′ of offensive absence. The Bianconeri practically only go to Dunston, who goes in alternating phases. They even try, but a triple from Shields freezes everyone: 66-50 at 30′.
Last quarter: the Bianconeri try not to give up, and reopen a match with the strength of desperation and with the second unit on the pitch. But Milan never trembles, and responds blow for blow. Polonara scores the triple for -9 and shortly after has the one for -6 but misses it. Cordinier then scores -7, but it’s too late now. Ends 85-73Milan wins the third championship in a row.
Scoreboard
EA7 OLIMPIA MILANO – VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA 85-73 (22-23, 46-36; 66-50)
MILAN: Bortolani NE; Tonut 7; Melli 12; Napier 3; Ricci NE; Flaccadori 9; Hall 8; Caruso NE; Shields 10; Mirotic 30; Hines 2; Voigtmann 4. All. Messina
BOLOGNA: Cordinier 21; Lundberg 12; Belinelli 0; Pajola 2; Male 0; Shengelia 4; Hackett 5; Mickey 0; Polonara 12; Zizic 0; Dunston 8; Abass 9. All. Benches
