EA7 Emporio Armani Milano's Victory Over Trapani: A Strong Comeback
Milan, 23 December 2024 – After enduring three consecutive losses, EA7 Emporio Armani Milano returned to triumph with a resounding 105-90 win over Trapani Shark at the Mediolanum Forum on the 12th day of Italy's Serie A basketball season. The standout performer of the night was Nikola Mirotic, who delivered his best performance of the season with 29 points and significant contributions throughout the game.
The victory was especially important for Milano, who had struggled recently, including setbacks against Varese and teams from the EuroLeague. This win not only halted their negative streak but consolidated their position at eighth place, putting them firmly back on the path for qualification for the next Final Eight of the Italian Cup.
The match began on shaky territory for Milano, with Trapani establishing an early lead and showcasing their strengths. Justin Robinson's triple gave Trapani a solid start, as they surged to 12-4. Despite the early struggles, Milano managed to tie the game late in the first quarter, closing it at 24-22.
Although Milano initially hesitated to find rhythm, they responded fully after halftime. A decisive 31-16 run during the third quarter turned the game decisively in their favor. Shavon Shields supported Mirotic's performance with 22 points, including four three-pointers, demonstrating the depth of skill within the Milano squad.
Trapani, who came off the back of six consecutive wins and held the second position within the standings, could not regain their footing as the game progressed. Despite strong performances from Amar Alibegovic and JD Notae, scoring 21 points each, Milano's defense proved to be pivotal.
The Sharks' coach Jasmin Repesa, reflecting on his team's defeat, noted the shift of momentum post-halftime as Milano ramped up their intensity. “We struggled to find our pace after halftime, and Milano capitalized on every lapse we had,” he commented post-game.
A low point for Trapani was losing Robinson to injury during the match, which affected their cohesiveness. Mirotic's aggressive plays and Shields’ precision allowed Milano to extend their lead, with the score ballooning to as much as 19 points at times.
Even with Trapani’s front-line successes under intense defensive pressure, Milano maintained their form. With their optimum offensive showing of the season, they rediscovered their flow, mirroring their successful plays from the EuroLeague.
This win not only revives Milano’s spirits but positions them as serious contenders heading forward as they aim to stabilize their ranking and performance over the coming rounds. It’s evident the team will need to sustain this new-found momentum, especially with challenging fixtures coming up, including their next match away to De Longhi Treviso.
Post-match, Trapani Shark’s president Valerio Antonini expressed frustrations over officiation, stating, “It was all expected. There were repeated and important fouls not called. President [Gianni] Petrucci, is this the future of basketball you told me about? If this is the case, I will get out of it soon. I am scandalized.” His comments reflecting concerns from the Trapani side hint at rising tensions as the season progresses.
Milano concluded the night not just with the score but also with positive vibrations from both the audience and their coaching staff. Coach Ettore Messina smiled, highlighting how pleased he was with the team's overall play—from offense to defense. He commended the efforts not just of Mirotic and Shields, but the overall team's strategy and teamwork.
This game marked not only the restoration of Milano’s competitive edge but also served as a reminder of their resilience, affirming their capability to engage with the top teams. The path forward looks challenging, but the confidence gained from this victory can fuel their ambitions as they move toward the latter stages of the season.
With aspirations to capture more victories, Milano must now navigate the busy holiday schedule carefully. Their upcoming games will be pivotal, influencing both their current standings and future ambitions within Italian basketball.
