Milan waste a 24-point lead but comes out on top against Reggio Emilia / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Zuma Press-Scanpix Credit Zuma Press-Scanpix

In Game 1 of the Italian Lega Basket Serie A league playoffs series,AX Armani Exchange Milan celebrated a hard-fought victory against the visiting Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia 91-82(24-18, 27-22, 29-22, 11-20), and took a 1-0 series lead.

3-pointers this season

35%9,0Points made:9,0Accuracy:35,0%Place in standings:8Record max:14Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Devon HallTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Benjamin Bentil was the most efficient player for the winners, accumulating 18 points points (4/4 2PT, 3/4 3PT, 1/2 FT), 7 rebounds, and 24 PIR.

On the opposing side, Andrea Cinciarini was the top performer for Reggio Emilia, notched double-double ending with 17 points, 10 assists, and 27 PIR.

Reggio Emilia did not raise the white flag and organized their own huge 18-0 scoring run to cut the deficit to 6 points (74-80) with 7:20 left.

It was not the end, when Rossi Baldi converted two shots from the line (82-86) with 2 minutes to go. But then Shavon Shields made a jumper, Luigi Datome nailed a triple (91-82) and that was enough to finish the game comfortably, grabbing a victory.

The hosts slowly increased their lead and went into a half time with a double-digit advantage (51-40).

Milan came out aggressive in the third, while Luigi Datome, Benjamin Bentil and Shavon Shields were pouring one basket after another, and the EuroLeague side created a record-breaking 24 points lead (80-56) at the end of the third quarter.

Milan:Shavon Shields 20, Benjamin Bentil 18 (7 REB),Luigi Datome 13, Sergio Rodriguez 11 (6 AST).

Reggio Emilia: Stephen Thompson 21, Andrea Cinciarini 17 (10 AST), Justin Johnson 11.

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