After securing a win against league leaders Dolomiti Energia Trento last Sunday, the Trapani Shark is set for another challenge this evening as they face off against the defending champions EA7 Emporio Armani Olimpia Milano. The decisive matchup for the 12th round of the LBA is scheduled for 19:00 at the Unipol Arena, with live coverage available on DAZN.
The Sharks enter this game on a high note, boasting excellent form throughout their squad. They are currently sitting second in the league standings with nine wins and only two losses, showcasing their offensive prowess and sharp shooting. A focal point for Trapani has been Amar Alibegovic, who had a standout performance last match, scoring 30 points against Trento. Coach Jasmin Repesa, who previously led Milano to multiple titles, aims to capitalize on this momentum.
Conversely, Milano is seeking to bounce back from recent setbacks. After narrowly losing to Varese by two points and suffering another blow against Bayern Munich in Euroleague competition, the team is desperate for victory to boost their confidence and standings. Notably, they are currently eighth with six victories and five defeats, faced with pressure to perform at home.
Head coach Ettore Messina knows the stakes and is wary of the challenges presented by the Sharks. He aims for his players to cut down on defensive errors, which culminated fatal during the last minutes of previous matches. "We must demonstrate solidity both offensively and defensively to get back on track," he stated during pre-game comments.
The key duel of the night is set to be between Milano’s talented guard Nico Mannion and Trapani's Alibegovic, whose performances could heavily influence the game's outcome.
With Milano missing Josh Nebo due to tendon injury, the burden falls on veterans like Nikola Mirotic and LeDay to step up. This creates opportunities for others to assert themselves as trustworthy contributors, especially with the successful inclusion of the newly acquired players.
The match began with intense energy from both sides; Milano struggled initially to convert on offensive plays, allowing Trapani to dart out to an early lead, largely driven by Galloway and Robinson who established the score at 4-12. Milano’s ability to generate free throws and key baskets from Shields quickly saw them cut the deficit.
By the end of the first quarter, Milano managed to close the gap following Notae's last-second basket to finish at 22-24, signaling their determination to not let up against the visitors.
The second quarter showcased Milano's grit as they secured their first lead of the game thanks to impressive plays by Diop and Tonut. Trapani, managed to stay close, consistently counter-punching with triples, keeping the gap minimal. JD Notae’s contributions were significant, as he secured three free throws and maintained his team's close proximity, demonstrating his importance during the hotly contested round.
Mario Fioretti, assistant coach for Milano, emphasized the need for effective defense, stating, "Trapani vanta il miglior attacco del campionato: dovremo esprimerci ad alto livello nel rientrare in difesa." This call for vigilance was echoed by Coach Repesa, who recognized Milano as one of the most formidable opponents, remarking, "Parliamo di uno degli avversari più bravi in Italia."
The intensity persisted as both teams absorbed the pressure, trading leads with rapid-fire scoring. The third quarter would be pivotal for determining whether Milano could regain the upper hand or if Trapani's strong performance would carry them through.
Looking back at the evening, should Milano manage to clinch the win, it would not only restore faith within their roster but set the tone for upcoming challenges, including another Euroleague match against Panathinaikos. Meanwhile, for Trapani, victory would solidify their status as credible title contenders, edging them closer to achieving their season goals.
This match will certainly reflect the resilience of both teams and highlight the talent within Italian basketball as they look to navigate the rest of the LBA season.
