EA7 Milano secured their fifteenth victory of the Euroleague season with a thrilling 86-80 win over Monaco on February 27, 2025, at Medionalum Forum. The match witnessed strong performances from star players Nikola Mirotic and Shavon Shields, who scored 22 and 19 points respectively, as they led their team to triumph and moved closer to play-off qualification.
The game did not start well for Milano, as they quickly found themselves trailing 0-7 within minutes, with Monaco capitalizing on their sluggish start. Players like Jordan Loyd helped the French side build an early advantage, pushing the score to 2-10 and then 4-13. Milano struggled to find their rhythm, but the tide began to turn as Shields and Nico Mannion ignited their comeback, eventually leveling the score at 14-14.
Even with the offensive power of Monaco, including Mike James, who had notable moments for the visitors, Milano's effort was consistent. They moved from trailing at the end of the first quarter, down just one point at 18-19 after achieving what could be seen as a moral victory. The next quarter was equally contentious, with both teams exchanging leads, but Milano found their footing with Mirotic's first three-pointer of the night.
By halftime, Milano had grabbed the lead after taking control with a 9-0 run, sending the teams to the break with Milano leading 49-42. The resilience displayed by Mirotic, Mannion, and Shields set the tone for what was to come, as the home team showcased impressive shooting stats of 57% from three-point land and 60% from inside the paint.
The third quarter saw Milano extending their lead to double digits. Yet, Monaco was not to be dismissed easily. With the efforts of players like Elie Okobo igniting the visitors, momentum shifted, forcing Milano to regroup. By the end of the quarter, Milano maintained a narrow lead of 68-61.
The last quarter had fans on the edge of their seats as Monaco clawed back to tie the game at 74-74, thanks to Elie Okobo's relentless scoring drive. With both teams battling head-to-head, it became evident the contest could swing either way. Milano, showcasing their strong character, responded emphatically with clutch plays from Shields, Mirotic, and Zach Leday, who each contributed significantly to the scoring-run down the stretch.
With just seconds remaining and the score tied at 80-80, Milano executed flawlessly under pressure. A series of free-throws, two each from Mirotic, Leday, and Shields, sealed the game and showcased their composure. The final moments marked the culmination of their efforts and ensured victory for the home team.
After the game, Coach Ettore Messina reflected on his team's performance. He remarked, "Dobbiamo essere più intelligenti, è difficile sotto pressione..." (We must be smarter; it's tough under pressure). He emphasized the importance of maintaining composure during tight situations, stating, "...dobbiamo continuare a restare calmi e giocare la nostra pallacanestro..." (We must continue to stay calm and play our basketball).
The victory reinforces Milano's position as they aim for postseason glory, setting their eyes firmly on upcoming games as they continue to build momentum. Fans are hopeful this win marks the turning point for the team as they look to solidify their playoff ambitions.