Dinamo Sassari faced off against the formidable EA7 Emporio Armani Milano on February 8, 2025, at the PalaSerradimigni, engaging fans with yet another thrilling contest from the LBA league.
The match kicked off with Sassari hoping for redemption after recent setbacks. Meanwhile, Milano, coming off back-to-back EuroLeague games, needed to secure this victory to bolster their playoff positioning.
Both teams were energized at the start, and they quickly traded points. The first quarter ended with Sassari slightly on top at 22-21. Notable performances came from Sassari’s Amedeo Cappelletti and Milan’s Nico Mannion, showing their prowess early on.
Heading to the second quarter, the game maintained its high pace. Milano’s Rashawn Thomas and Sassari's Halilovic became instrumental, but by halftime, the visitors managed to squeeze past the hosts, finishing the first half with a score of 40-42.
Even as the match continued, it became clear both teams were matching each other's energy, with Milano attempting to create distance. The third quarter saw Milano effectively increasing their lead to 11 points at 61-51, thanks to Shelton Shields and Ricci's long-range shooting.
Going strong, Sassari didn’t back down. They rallied to pull within just one possession by the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, largely driven by their fans' support and Sokolowski’s perimeter shooting.
With the home crowd roaring, Sassari's Veronesi tied the game at 72-72 with just seconds remaining. It was anyone's game, but Milano showcased their experience when it mattered most. After Veronesi's error, Milano regained possession and sealed the deal with free throws, finishing the match with the final score standing at 72-78.
Dimitrijevic led the scoring for Milano with 15 points, along with 9 rebounds, with LeDay contributing significantly, boasting 14 points. Sassari's Cappelletti was on the verge of achieving a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Coaches expressed their insights post-match, with Massimo Bulleri reflecting on the hard-fought game, saying, "We’ll attempt to go beyond our limits. We believe we can show our worth against Milano, even though the odds are against us."
Milano's assistant coach, Mario Fioretti, noted the pressure of their schedule and the need for control, stating, "This is the last match of our intense week, and we must control our turnovers to defend effectively against such aggressive opponents."
With the win, Milano consolidates their position within the playoff race, whereas Sassari must re-evaluate their strategies moving forward. The match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the LBA but also reminded fans of the thrilling basketball action yet to come this season.