By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Olimpia Milan defended its home court for the third time in the Legabasket final series, defeating Virtus Bologna 79-72 in Game 5, with Shavon Shields scoring 22 points.
Ettore Messina’s team is now on the verge of successfully defending the Italian throne, holding a 3-2 lead in the series before the potentially decisive Game 6 in Bologna.
Shields showcased an impressive shooting performance, going 8 for 12 from two-point range, and finished with 22 points in 31 minutes on the court, achieving a PIR of 24.
Nicolo Melli contributed with a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Billy Baron and Shabazz Napier added 12 points each.
On the Virtus side, Marco Belinelli ended with 17 points, Isaia Cordinier added 14, and Daniel Hackett scored 12.
Even though the first 10 minutes promised a high-scoring game, with Milan leading 26-24, both teams intensified their defensive efforts and fought hard for every possession. Milan maintained their lead for most of the game, but Virtus showed resilience, narrowing the gap even after Milan took a 56-43 lead in the third period. Virtus managed to come within two points within minutes, but Messina’s team responded strongly, regained control, and held onto the lead until the end.
LBA Finals results and schedule
Olimpia Milano – Virtus Bologna, G1: 92-82
Olimpia Milano – Virtus Bologna, G2: 79-76
Virtus Bologna – Olimpia Milano, G3: 69-61
Virtus Bologna – Olimpia Milano, G4: 93-89
Olimpia Milano – Virtus Bologna, G5: 79-72
Virtus Bologna – Olimpia Milano, G6 (21/06 at 20:30 CET)
Olimpia Milano – Virtus Bologna, G7 * (23/06 at 20:30 CET)
*If needed.