Nail-bitter in Milan: Melli carries Armani to a last-second victory over ASVEL / News - Basketnews.com

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

AX Armani Exchange Milan (5-0) welcomed LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne (3-2), beating the French team at the last second 73-72 (14-17, 12-23, 25-11, 22-21).

Player of the Game EFF 18 Nicolo Melli Points 14 Accuracy 5-8 Rebounds 6 Assists 1

Elie Okobo's 3-pointer gave ASVEL a two-point advantage with 1:29 to go (72-70), But Devon Hall responded with a clutch three of his own to bring Milan up by one (73-72).

David Lighty missed at the other end, Charles Kahudi had a chance to win it for ASVEL with a last-second tip-in, but it was off the mark, and Milan was victorious.

Nicolo Melli led Milan with 14 points (3/5 2PT, 2/3 3PT, 2/2 FT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers, and 18 PIR.

"Our first half was probably the worst we've had so far this season," Melli said post-game. "We looked at each other in the locker room at halftime and said this cannot also happen in the second half.

We have to play better and we might lose, but we go out there and put our effort out there. We did it, we came back, we won a crazy game, and we are very happy"

Elie Okobo was magnificent for ASVEL, finishing with 25 points (8/12 2PT, 3/4 3PT), 3 assists, 3 turnovers, and 19 PIR.

Milan had a tough time scoring the ball in the first half. They only mustered 26 points against 40 from ASVEL, who took their largest lead at 14 going into halftime (40-26).

However, Milan responded with a 14-2 run in the third period to come within four at the halfway mark of the quarter (40-44). The hosts continued playing well as Nicolo Melli's last-second 3-pointer tied the game at 51 going into the fourth.

ASVEL caught fire from range in the final period, as two straight threes from Elie Okobo and Charles Kahudi provided ASVEL a five-point cushion (67-62). Milan did not roll over though, with Shavon Shields tying the game at 69 with 2:32 remaining.

"Personally, I felt the game was lost, even if a coach should never say this, that’s the reality," coach Messina admitted after the game. "We were playing so bad and they were playing so well, it looked very difficult to come back.

I just wanted my team to play well, I think the players just wanted to play well like they have in many other games. We played a fantastic second half. Everybody stepped up, and it’s one of those wins that can build even more confidence."

Milan: Shavon Shields 15 (5 REB, 5 AST), Nicolo Melli 14 (6 REB), Malcolm Delaney 12, Giampaolo Ricci 10, Kyle Hines 7 (8 REB), Luigi Datome 6.

ASVEL: Elie Okobo 25, Chris Jones 12, Charles Kahudi 6 (6 REB), Dylan Osetkowski 6.

Highlights

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