On March 31, 2025, Napoli Basket pulled off a thrilling victory against EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, winning 95-87 in a high-stakes match that significantly impacts both teams' standings in the Serie A basketball league. This win marks Napoli's third consecutive victory, following wins against Bologna and Scafati, and helps them move four points clear of the relegation zone.
The game was held at the Fruit Village Arena, where Napoli showcased a determined performance, particularly in the fourth quarter. After trailing for much of the game, they rallied in the final minutes, outscoring Milano 31-14 in the last quarter. Jacob Pullen led the charge for Napoli, scoring 24 points, while teammate Green added 21 points to the tally. The team’s resilience was evident as they fought back from a deficit to secure the win.
The match began with both teams exchanging baskets, but Napoli quickly gained momentum thanks to Green's early scoring. They led 9-3 just six minutes into the first quarter. Despite Milano's efforts to regain control, notably through Mirotic's scoring, Napoli maintained their lead at the end of the first quarter with a score of 19-17.
As the second quarter unfolded, Milano found their rhythm, taking a 25-19 lead after a quick series of points, prompting Napoli head coach Giorgio Valli to call for a timeout. Napoli responded well, with Zubcic and Pangos contributing crucial points, but Milano ended the half ahead 47-41.
Milano's coach, Ettore Messina, was aiming for his 500th win in Serie A, and his team seemed poised to achieve that as they extended their lead to 62-47 early in the third quarter. However, Napoli was not ready to back down. They launched a spirited comeback, highlighted by a 9-0 run that narrowed the gap to 62-56.
Despite Napoli's resurgence, Milano closed the third quarter strong, leading 73-64. The stage was set for a dramatic final quarter. Valli's team came out firing, with Pullen and Zubcic leading the charge. Napoli's defense tightened, allowing them to hold Milano to just three points in the first eight minutes of the fourth quarter, while they scored 21 points during that span.
With the score tied at 76-75, Napoli took control of the game, fueled by a series of impressive plays from Pullen, who scored nine consecutive points, including a crucial three-pointer. Egbunu's powerful dunks further solidified Napoli's lead, pushing the score to 85-76 with just over three minutes remaining.
Milano, who had been on a three-game winning streak prior to this match, struggled to find their footing in the closing moments. Mirotic and LeDay attempted to rally their team, but it wasn't enough to overcome Napoli's momentum. The final score of 95-87 reflected Napoli's determination and execution in the clutch moments.
Post-game, Coach Giorgio Valli expressed his satisfaction with the win but emphasized the need for continued focus. "Today I was clearly very happy, but we have not yet finished our mission. We have one less game to win, and we must continue to work hard," he said. Valli noted the importance of the victory for their fight against relegation, stating, "The desire to survive sometimes outweighs the desire for a better playoff position. The two points earned today are crucial, but we must not get distracted, as the journey is still long."
For Milano, the loss was a setback in their quest for the top of the standings, where they were vying to join Trapani and Brescia. Mirotic finished the game as Milano's top scorer with 22 points, but the absence of key players like Josh Nebo, Dimitrijevic, Brooks, and Causeur was felt throughout the match.
As the season progresses, Napoli's victory serves as a critical boost in their battle for survival in the league. They will need to maintain this level of performance as they look ahead to their next matches, while Milano will need to regroup quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive, especially with an upcoming Euroleague derby against Vu Nere.
This electrifying encounter not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of Serie A basketball, where every game counts and the fight for survival is as fierce as the race for the championship.
