Dominant first half performance secures comfortable Armani Exchange’s win over Maccabi / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Paola Visone/PACIFIC PRES/SIPA-Scanpix Credit Paola Visone/PACIFIC PRES/SIPA-Scanpix

AX Armani Exchange Milan (3-0) remain perfect in a new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season.

Player of the Game EFF 20 Konstantinos Mitoglou Points 16 Accuracy 6-9 Rebounds 6 Assists 1

The Italian club began the double week with a convincing 83-72 (26-15, 26-15, 11-19, 20-23) victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv (1-2).

The hosts took control of the game from the first quarter. Nicolo Melli scored four points in a row, Malcolm Delaney knocked down both free throws, Jerian Grant added a lay-up, and Armani Exchange went on a 9-0 run and built a double-digit lead (22-9).

The story of the game remained the same in the second period. Konstantinos Mitoglou knocked down a 3-pointer, Kyle Hines made both free throws, Mitoglou added another triple, and the hosts increased their lead to 20 points (47-27).

After halftime, Maccabi managed to cut the deficit, but Armani Exchange calmly finished the game and secured a convincing victory.

"I think we had to expect what happened," Ettore Messina said about the second half performance. "They became much more physical, became very rough, very difficult to officiate on both sides. There were a lot of difficulties in moving the ball, and we sometimes overdribbled, but we made some important plays and our defense, overall, was very good."

"I think we could have played a little bit better offensively in the fourth quarter, but maybe we got a little bit tired," Messina continued. "It is a new experience, we were up for the first time this year 20 points at the end of the first half. It is a good, important win for us, and we move on."

Mitoglou was the leader for Armani Exchange, as he finished the game with 16 points (2/3 2PT, 4/6 3PT), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 20 PIR.

3-pointers this season

32%7,7Points made:7,7Accuracy:32,4%Place in standings:12Record max:8Record min:7Most made 3FGs:Scottie WilbekinTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"We started the game very strongly, Mitoglou said after the game. "We were very ready mentally and physically. We maintained a very great first half. We need to continue like this. In the second half, we relaxed a little bit, but we maintained the difference, and we are happy about it. We won; we have a great good rhythm and need to maintain this. I am very happy about it."

James Nunnally was trying to carry Maccabi with 16 points (4/5 2PT, 1/6 3PT, 5/5 FT), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, and 20 PIR.

It was a tough night for Scottie Wilbekin, who finished the game with 8 points (0/4 2PT, 2/7 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 5 PIR. The American guard made his first field goal only in the second half.

Armani Exchange: Devon Hall 17 (3/8 3PT), Konstantinos Mitoglou 16 (4/6 3PT, 20 PIR), Malcolmas Delaney 10.

Maccabi: Derrick Williams 19 (4/5 3PT), James Nunnally 16 (4/5 2PT, 1/6 3PT, 7 REB, 20 PIR), Jalen Reynolds 13 (6/9 2PT), Mathias Lessort 10 (5/6 2PT).

Highlights

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