In the 15th round of the EuroLeague, Milano hosted Asvel on their home court and secured their sixth win with a score of 84-61, while Asvel remained at two wins.
Milano’s excellent performance in the second half was the key to another win. The crucial moment came in the third quarter, where the home team, after a 12-3 run, extended their lead to an insurmountable 58-39. During these moments, the home team played excellent defense, connected two three-pointers, and secured their second consecutive win, while on the other side, Asvel suffered their seventh consecutive loss.
Nicolo Melli was the top scorer for the winners
Nicolo Melli was the top scorer for the winners with 17 points, Shavon Shields contributed with 13, and Alex Poythress and Johannes Voigtmann each scored 11. On the other side, Joffrey Lauvergne led Asvel with 12 points, while Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Paris Lee each contributed 10.
In the next round, Milano will host Panathinaikos on Friday, while Asvel will be at home against Olympiacos.
The home team had a better start, and after a few minutes of play, Asvel’s coach, Gianmarco Pozzecco, had to call a timeout as Milano led 13-8. Nicolo Melli played a key role in those moments, and Milano went on to take a double-digit lead at 20-10. Billy Baron, who recovered from an elbow injury, played his first minutes of the season in the EuroLeague.
However, the guests didn’t give up. They went on an 11-0 run and took the lead at 21-20. The home team managed to turn the game around and led 24-21, with the opposing coach receiving a technical foul. Milano continued in a good rhythm, extending their lead to 37-26. They maintained that advantage until halftime, with the teams going to the break with Milano leading 46-36.
A significant issue for Asvel was the injury to Nando De Colo
A significant issue for Asvel was the injury to Nando De Colo, who did not return to the game in the second half. At the beginning of the third quarter, Milano extended their lead to 50-36, gaining a 14-point advantage. The home team played tough defense at the start of the second half. When Voigtmann hit a three-pointer to make it 58-39, the direction of the rest of the game became evident.
In the final quarter, the only uncertainty was the margin by which Milano would win. In the end, the home team increased their lead by another four points compared to the end of the third quarter.
MILANO – ASVEL 84:61 (22:21, 24:15, 21:12, 17:13)
Venue: “Mediolanum” Forum
Referees: Perez, Nikolic, Udyanskyy
Milano: Poythress 11, Bortolani 3, Tonut 5, Melli 17, Baron 3, Kamagate 4, Flaccadori 5, Hall 4, Caruso 3, Shields 13, Hines 5, Voigtmann 11.
Asvel: Scott 6, Lee 10, Kahudi 2, Lauvergne 12, Luwawu-Cabarrot 10, Jackson 4, De Colo 5, Egbunu 4, Fall 3, Lighty 5, Ndiaye, Yaacov.