Armani Milan hold off Sassari in Nicolo Melli's return / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: LPS via ZUMA Press Wire - Scanpix Credit LPS via ZUMA Press Wire - Scanpix

AX Armani Exchange Milan had to overcome some moments of difficulty until finally bending Sassari 88-71 (32-26, 18-16, 21-15, 17-14)to lead the semifinal Serie A series by 1-0.

2-pointers this season

51%17,6Points made:17,6Accuracy:51,3%Place in standings:17Record max:25Record min:9Most made 2FGs:Shavon ShieldsTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Team captain Nicolo Melli returned to action after a five-week absence, even if with very limited playing time. Milan got contribution from many players and thus overcame the foul problems that tarnished them in the first half.

The Italian powerhouse amassed 13 three-point shots and 23 assists, numbers that certify a good game, but on Monday (20:45, in Milan again), it will time for Game 2.

Shavon Shields logged 16 points for Ettore Messina's squad. Gigi Datome added 13 and Ben Bentil 10. For Sassari, American journeyman Gerald Robinson scored 17 and Croatian center Miro Bilan another 16.

Armani Milan: Shavon Shields 16 (7/13 FG, 1/1 FT), Luigi Datome 13 (4/9 FG, 2/2 FT), Ben Bentil 10, Sergio Rodriguez 10, Jerian Grant 9, Kyle Hines 8 (7 REB, 5 BS).

Sassari: Gerald Robinson 17 (6/12 FG, 3/3 FT), Miro Bilan 16 (5/9 FG, 6/8 FT, 6 REB), Eimantas Bendzius 14 (4/6 FG, 4/4 FT, 7 REB).

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