Milan holds off Monaco's late rally to snap their four-game losing streak / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Gianfranco Cavassa/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Gianfranco Cavassa/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

AX Armani Exchange Milan (9-5) snapped a four-game losing skid by taking down AS Monaco (5-9) on their opponent's home floor 71-65 (26-14, 13-13, 18-17, 14-21).

Player of the Game EFF 20 Kyle Hines Points 11 Accuracy 4-6 Rebounds 6 Assists 3

Sergio Rodriguez started the fourth quarter with eight straight points to give Milan a commanding 21-point advantage (65-44). But Monaco didn't give up, answering with an 18-4 run to cut the deficit to six (65-71).

However, it was too little too late, as Milan kept their cool down the stretch, not allowing their opponents to score any more points and coming away with a six-point victory.

"For three and a half quarters, we played a very complete game, offense and defense," coach Messina said post-game. "We built a 21-point lead. We were coming off four losses, so we got nervous [at the end of the game]. But for three quarters I think we played a very complete game and I am very happy that we won here."

Milan started the game well, with Malcolm Delaney and Shavon Shields giving their team an early 9-2 lead. Monaco managed to cut their deficit to one (12-13), but Milan finished the first quarter with a 13-2 run, gaining a solid advantage (26-14).

The visitors continued controlling the game in the second period, with Kyle Hines giving them a 16-point lead (39-23). Monaco finished the half with four unanswered points, cutting their deficit to 12 going into the break (27-39).

Milan maintained a double-digit lead for most of the third period, keeping Monaco at bay. Ben Bentil's 3-pointer gave Milan a 14-point advantage (51-37), which shrunk by a point before the start of the fourth quarter (57-44).

It was previously reported that Mike James would likely miss this contest due to injury. He did appear on the floor for less than three minutes but finished with no points and one turnover.

Kyle Hines was the most efficient player on the court for Milan. He ended with 11 points (4/6 2PT, 3/6 FT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, and 20 PIR.

"There's no easy game in the EuroLeague," Hines emphasized after the game. "We know the situation. We know it's a long season. Our main goal is to get better every day: win, lose or draw. We're just trying to get better every day. That's all that matters."

Milan: Sergio Rodriguez 13 (6 REB), Kyle Hines 11 (6 REB), Malcolm Delaney 10, Ben Bentil 9, Nicolo Melli 7 (5 REB).

Monaco: Paris Lee 19 (6 AST), Danilo Andjusic 12, Dwayne Bacon 10, Brock Motum 6, Donta Hall 6.

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