Milan survive overtime battle against Virtus despite 34 from Belinelli / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-SCANPIX Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-SCANPIX

AX Armani Exchange Milan (12-1) returned from an extended Covid-related absence and played their first game since December 19th of last year.

2-pointers this season

51%18,3Points made:18,3Accuracy:51,4%Place in standings:14Record max:25Record min:13Most made 2FGs:Shavon ShieldsTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Despite squandering a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, Milan came out on top in overtime, taking down their biggest rivals at the Italian Lega A, Virtus Segafredo Bologna (10-3), 102-99 (24-21, 30-24, 21-20, 20-30, 7-4).

Two consecutive buckets by Marco Belinelli brought Virtus within six towards the end of the game (83-89). Milos Teodosic and Bellinelli added four more points to cut Virtus' deficit to three (92-95).

Jerian Grant missed both free throws on the other end, and Belinelli drained a clutch 3-pointer on the other end, tying the game at 95. Devon Hall had a chance to win it for Milan, but his 2-pointer was off, and the match went into overtime.

Kyle Weems started the overtime with a 3-pointer, but Hall responded with five points to give Milan the lead (102-99). Weems had a chance to send the game into the second overtime, but his deep shot was off the mark, and Milan survived by three.

Despite missing two key free throws at the end of the fourth, Jerian Grant led Milan with 20 points (3/6 2PT, 3/5 3PT, 5/8 FT), 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 27 PIR.

On the opposing side, Marco Belinelli was on fire, ending with 34 points (5/5 2PT, 6/11 3PT, 6/6 FT), 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 33 PIR.

Even though Virtus jumped out in front to start the second quarter (30-26), Milan caught fire from range, especially Sergio Rodriguez, who scored 11 points in the period. He helped Milan to a nine-point advantage going into halftime (54-45).

Virtus cut their deficit to six in the third (56-62), but Milan ended the period on a high note, regaining a double-digit lead going into the final quarter (75-65).

Giampaolo Ricci, Riccardo Moraschini, Malcolm Delaney, Konstantinos Mitoglou, Troy Daniels, Shavon Shields, and Luigi Datome were not in the lineup for Milan tonight.

Isaia Cordinier, Amedeo Tessitori, Nico Mannion, Kevin Hervey, Ekpe Udoh, and Awudu Abass did not play for Virtus.

Milan: Jerian Grant 20 (6 AST, 3 REB), Devon Hall 18, Sergio Rodriguez 16 (9 AST), Kyle Hines 14 (5 REB), Benjamin Bentil 13, Nicolo Melli 11 (5 REB).

Virtus: Marco Belinelli 34, Milos Teodosic 18 (10 AST), Mouhammadou Jaiteh 18 (10 REB), Kyle Weems 13 (7 REB).

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