Strong double-double by Melli secures Milan a home-court advantage / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Giuseppe Cottini/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Giuseppe Cottini/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

In a make-up game from Round 30, AX Armani Exchange Milan (18-8) wrapped up home-court advantage in the playoffs by overcoming a visiting team FC Bayern Munich (12-12) 84-77 (15-19, 18-17, 23-14, 28-27).

Player of the Game EFF 29 Nicolo Melli Points 11 Accuracy 2-5 Rebounds 13 Assists 6

After two straight triples by Vladimir Lucic, Bayern bounced back and cut their deficit to only one point (65-66) in the mid-fourth quarter.

Shavon Shields revived Milan's offense with a couple of shots from deep (72-67). Though, Augustine Rubit did not let Armani Exchange run away from the Germans (70-72).

Devon Hall and Vladimir Lucic exchanged with their baskets (74-71), while Andrea Trinchieri received a technical foul. Sergio Rodriguez converted a free throw (75-71), Shavon Shields added another three, and Milan led by 7 (78-71) with 1:30 to play.

Italians got a crucial stop, while Shields sealed the deal for Armani Exchange on a fast-break attack (80-71).

Veteran Nicolo Melli was outstanding for the winners, posting a double-double with 11 points (2/4 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 7/8 FT), 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 29 PIR.

Shavon Shields aided him with 22 points (5/9 2PT, 2/3 3PT, 6/6 FT), 1 rebound, 4 turnovers, and 15 PIR.

"I think we played a good second half. We had more flow, we attacked better, we rebounded better and I think, in the end, we deserved a win with a good second half," Ettore Messina spoke after the win.

Vladimir Lucic put on a show for the losing squad, accumulating 26 points (4/7 2PT, 4/7 3PT, 6/8 FT), 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 24 PIR.

"We played a great game. We were present physically and mentally. We were short of energy, but I am very proud of my players," Andrea Trinchieri said post-game.

Kyle Hines became the 11th man in EuroLeague history, who managed to surpass the 3000 points mark. He finished the duel with 8 points (3/4 2PT, 2/5 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, and 10 PIR.

Despite being down by 10 (21-31) at the start of the second quarter, Milan came back within fighting distance before going into the break (33-36).

They retook game control in their hands in the third period, gaining a 7-point lead (53-46). Both clubs were separated by six points (56-50) before the decisive tally.

Armani Exchange: Shavon Shields 22, Nicolo Melli 11 (13 REB, 6 AST), Devon Hall 11, Sergio Rodriguez 9.

Bayern: Vladimir Lucic 26, Ognjen Jaramaz 14, Darrun Hilliard 11.

Highlights

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