By Cesare Milanti/ info@eurohoops.net
In February 2020, ALBA Berlin got its first-ever victory in Mediolanum Forum.
In Round 2 of the 2022-23 EuroLeague, at the end of a tough game that ended in overtime, they got the second, beating Ettore Messina’s team 74-80.
Tamir Blatt was the hero of the game, closing with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists. Jaleen Smith struggled from deep (2/10 3PTS) but still recorded 13 points, while EuroLeague rookie Yanni Wetzell added 10.
“Congratulation to our team for the faith. Just in the last minute, Milan tied the game and we were able to keep fighting, still believing in ourselves. The most important thing is how we played like a team, we showed today the chemistry that we have”, coach Israel Gonzalez said after the win, adding about his players.
“I’m very happy with Gabriele Procida. He needs to learn a lot of things but we’re very happy with his job. Maodo Lo couldn’t play because of ankle and calf problems. He played 80 games last season between every competition and he finished his energy. He needs to rest”.
Kevin Pangos had a difficult night in the first three quarters but stepped up in the fourth, ending the game with 16 points. After missing Round 1 against ASVEL, Shavon Shields made his debut in the 2022-23 EuroLeague with a good performance of 15 points,6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Kyle Hines added 10 points.
“We lost the game because we had a lot of miscommunications defensively, that’s my responsibility. Offensively, we created a lot of good shots but we just couldn’t shoot well: this is part of the game. We played a better second half with more aggressiveness. I have to find the way to get the team playing better”, coach Ettore Messina said in the press conference.
Still, Ettore Messina didn’t have his full roster available, as Nazareth Mitrou-Long, Luigi Datome, and Tommaso Baldasso were all out. Davide Alviti was sidelined.
Israel Gonzalez didn’t have Marcus Eriksson, who is out indefinitely due to a leg injury, Malte Delow, and Ben Lammers, and rested Maodo Lo.
Even without the German playmaker, who has been the leader of this team in recent times, ALBA Berlin put on a show in the first half, producing an offensive clinic and closing the second quarter leading 30-38.
In the second half, Milan increased the defensive intensity and reduced the gap, tying things up at 70-70 with thirty seconds left in the fourth quarter sending the game to overtime.
In the extra five minutes, Ettore Messina’s team scored only four points, while the guests prevailed.
Both teams had a rough night from the three-point range: Milan shot 9/31 from the arc, and ALBA Berlin 9/34.
EA7 Emporio Armani Milan will now travel to Belgrade to face Partizan on the 18th of October at 20:45 CET, while ALBA Berlin will host Panathinaikos the following day at 20:00 CET.
PHOTO CREDIT: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan