By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Building on an early lead and mainly going small-ball, AX Armani Exchange Milan stomped Zalgiris Kaunas, 88-70, to complete the first of the two WE’RE BACK PRESEASON TOURS in first place. The tournament hosts ended up second.
Kevin Punter accounted for a game-high 26 points. He sank 6/9 from long-range, three of those in a key stretch of the fourth period single-handedly stopping the comeback attempt launched by Zalgiris.
Malcolm Delaney threw in 14 points and Sergio Rodriguez added 11. On to the losing side, Thomas Walkup posted a team-high 13 points.
Olimpia Milano head coach Ettore Messina opted to use smaller lineups preparing for the upcoming scheduled official games, including the brand new Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season. He saw a 23-point lead cut to ten, but Punter and teammates quickly got the Italian outlet back to a safe distance.
“We need to develop a consistent rotation and need to be balanced,” said Messina following the match, “There is a lot of room for improvement.”
Earlier Sunday at the Zalgirio Arena, Panathinaikos OPAP beat ALBA Berlin in the third-place contest. Up next, the second part of the WE’RE BACK PRESEASON TOUR featuring LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Olympiacos, FC Bayern Munich, and host Valencia set to take place Tuesday and Wednesday.