EuroLeague, Olympia wins in Monaco and remains in the race

This was perhaps the final call to understand the end of the season and Milan have responded for the time being. In the Salle Gaston Medecin, against a Monaco team on an eight-game winning streak, EA7 put in a great performance and beat the third team in the class with a score of 98-80. Messina's game plan was excellent, as it took Mike James out of the game (1/9 of the field) taking advantage of the poor defensive performance of Obradovic's boys. Mirotic's 21 points lead Olympia's breakthrough attack to nearly 100 points thanks to big contributions from Law, Hall and Tunot. The thirteenth win this season for Milan, and it is still at the top of the group, targeting Partizan’s tenth place.

Attack clinic

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The impression that it could be a great evening for Olympia was felt from the beginning. Messina chooses Tunot to mark James and Mirotic from the middle, and the Milan coach's decision is paying off. The Italian champions started very well, with good ball circulation and Mele was very present on the attacking rebound. Monaco continued to attack Lloyd, author of his team's first 10 points, but Milan escaped +7 thanks to the excellent contribution of Hall and Low from the bench. The German keeper takes center stage in the second quarter, eclipsing double figures with Tonot and Mele, while only Kemba Walker manages to keep Obradovic's side in the game. Olimpia manages attacking attacks very well, creating excellent shots and attacking in transition when possible, taking advantage of Monaco's poor defensive spacing. 14 assisted baskets in the first half, with 8/15 from 3 and 8 offensive rebounds: EA7 returns to the locker room with a 58-44 lead.

The practice is closed

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Coming out of the locker room, Shields and Mirotic switch into high form and Milan's lead reaches +19. Obradovic changes something by bringing in Diallo, Dont'a Hall and Okubo: the intensity of Monaco's defense increases, and so does their physicality. Olympia's hands got cold and the Principality team was able to get back to within a double-digit deficit after several trips to the line. After the effort of trying to come back, James and his teammates arrive with a little clarity in the end, and EA7's defense is approaching perfection. Monaco conceded just 13 points in the final 10 minutes, with Mirotic directing the attacking operations and Voigtmann closing in on the goals. Olimpia finished the tournament eighteen points clear, avenging their first-leg defeat and giving themselves another shot at success the following season.

Monaco: Diallo 17, Lloyd 14, James 10. Milan: Mirotic 21, Low 15, Hall 14.