By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In the same game, two completely different EuroLeague streaks were broken. After six glorious wins, Crvena Zvezda (7-7) got an “L” while AX Emporio Armani Milan (4-10) finally got a win after nine losses. Ettore Messina’s squad played one of its best games of the season, defeating the Serbian champions 71-67.
“After losing many games, my players were amazing tonight. They deserved this win“, said Ettore Mesina.
The Italian side was thinking about one thing and one thing only. Ending the losing streak and they looked like a team with a mission. Scoring 26 points in the first quarter was enough for a double-digit lead. Crvena Zvezda was not going down without a fight, but there was no stopping Devon Hall and Billy Baron in the first half.
The home side could not find the answer for them, alongside Brandon Davies, which is why the guests had a comfortable 43-29 lead at the half.
Crvena Zvezda continued to make too many mistakes on defense, leaving the Italian team open looks from beyond the arc. Baron continued to hit shots, but Zvezda did not give up a single minute.
They kept fighting and cutting the lead down to nine points. That was the indication that a dramatic finish will resolve the game. Nemanja Nedovic cut the deficit to 66-62 with just two minutes to go. Filip Petrusev hit two free throws after that with 80 seconds left on the clock.
But the Italian team had Billy Baron who hit the crucial three-pointer (69-64). Back in 2019. Baron used to hit big shots for Crvena Zvezda, but now he was the decisive factor for the opponents. He finished the game with 19 points.
“I am happy for the team. This is the toughest place to play. This is one of the greatest gyms to play in Europe. I love Crvena Zvezda and there are no hard feelings“, Baron said.
Filip Petrusev had 20 points for Crvena Zvezda, Luca Vildoza added 16, and Nemanja Nedović 12.
“We started bad, but ok, we lost this game, we will continue to work“, said Dusko Ivanovic.