Superb Delaney let Milan survive a thriller and career-highs by Lighty, Wembanyama / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Roberto Finizio/Getty Images Credit Roberto Finizio/Getty Images

LDCL ASVEL Villeurbanne (8-20) attempted to conclude a disappointing season on a high note at home. However, AX Armani Exchange (19-9) had other plans, edging out the hosts 81-80 (20-23, 20-18, 23-15, 18-24).

Player of the Game EFF 19 Malcolm Delaney Points 24 Accuracy 9-16 Rebounds 5 Assists 0

The Italians will finish 3rd if Real Madrid lose tomorrow against FC Bayern Munich at WiZink Center.

Armani Exchange had plus 12 (70-58) at the start of the fourth quarter but Victor Wembanyama and David Lighty combined for 9 straight points to reduce ASVEL's deficit to 3 points (67-70).

Malcolm Delaney terminated the silence for the Italian powerhouse (71-67). He continued his successful play to give his team a 6-point advantage (75-69) with 2:30 to go. However, David Lighty initiated a late 7-0 push to retake the lead from Armani (76-75) with 1:30 to play.

Nevertheless, Tommaso Baldasso hit a three-point dagger on the other end at the shot clock buzzer to extend the roller coaster ride (78-76). Milan got a stop, Malcolm Delaney sank a tough step-back jumper, and the Italians were up by 4 points (80-76) with 19 seconds on the clock.

Elie Okobo's 2+1 play gave hope for ASVEL one more time (79-80). Then Devon Hall was fouled and converted only one shot from the line (81-79) with 10 seconds to go. Hall committed a foul against Lighty and was punished with an unsportsmanlike foul because the ball was not in the game.

Lighty missed the first free throw and converted the second (80-81). Chris Jones had a chance to win the game for ASVEL but his two-point jumper was off the mark.

Malcolm Delaney led the route for the winners, registering a season-high 24 points (4/7 2PT, 5/9 3PT, 1/4 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 turnover, and 19 PIR.

David Lighty had an outstanding night for the French squad, playing a career game. He finished the duel with 28 points (7/11 2PT, 3/4 3PT, 5/7 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover, and 29 PIR.

Top prospect Victor Wembanyama also had a career-high in scoring, accumulating 18 points (3/7 2PT, 4/5 3PT), 6 rebounds, 3 turnovers, and 14 PIR.

Armani Exchange fired up at the start of the third period. Led by Kyle Hines, Devon Hall, and Davide Alviti, Milan spurted 18-6 and created a double-digit advantage (58-47). Though, ASVEL with David Lighty in front were not ready to give up.

T.J. Parker's men answered with a 9-2 run, cutting their deficit to 4 (56-60). But Tommaso Baldasso put the cherry on top in the third, sinking a half-court buzzer-beater (63-56).

Dinos Mitoglou, Gigi Datome, Sergio Rodriguez, Shavon Shields, Trey Kell, and Troy Daniels were out for Milan.

Armani Exchange: Malcolm Delaney 24 (5 REB), Tommaso Baldasso 13, Devon Hall 11 (6 AST).

ASVEL: David Lighty 28 (5 REB), Victor Wembanyama 18 (5 REB), Kostas Antetokounmpo 11, Chris Jones 10.

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