On a rare Monday evening, the 12th matchday of the Italian LBA concluded with Olimpia Milano facing off against Trapani Shark. This game held significant importance as both teams vied for qualification for the Final Eight of the Coppa Italia. Milano was desperately chasing victory after suffering two consecutive defeats in the league and three last week alone.
Trapani, currently second in the standings, posed a formidable challenge. The tip-off occurred at 19:00, with head coach Ettore Messina announcing his lineup choices. Alongside injured player Josh Nebo, Messina also opted to bench Giordano Bortolani, Freddie Gillespie, and Fabien Causeur. Could these decisions impact the outcome?
After enjoying tremendous success during the Euroleague, Olimpia had to regroup, now facing the grim reality of three consecutive losses domestically, coupled with disappointing outcomes on the European front. This was especially problematic, as the team was struggling to maintain its playoff position – something unimaginable for Milano, traditionally among the top contenders for the Italian championship.
The game marked not only another challenge for Milano but also represented the arrival of Trapani as surprise contenders. They had recently halted Trento’s impressive ten-game winning streak, showcasing the team’s ambition. With Jesmin Repesa at the helm, Trapani showcased the championship's best offense, averaging 93.7 points per game, with six players scoring double figures on average. Notably, they were without Akwasi Yeboah, who was sidelined due to injury.
Before the match, Repesa spoke about the weight of facing such esteemed opponents: "Olimpia Milano is among the strongest teams in Europe. For us, it is very important to see our level." Meanwhile, Olimpia’s assistant coach Mario Fioretti emphasized the need for discipline against Trapani’s fast-paced play, stating, "Trapani boasts the best attack of the championship: we must express ourselves at a high level." Winning was necessary not only for ranking purposes but to fully reclaim their identity as dominant players on the court.
With the first quarter underway, Trapani wasted no time, establishing their rhythm early on. A strong start had them leading 9-1 at one point, pushing Milano to call for time early. After regrouping, Milano started to fight back, aiming to close the gap. By the conclusion of the first quarter, the scoreboard read 22-24, with both teams exchanging blows and trying to find weaknesses. It was clear every possession counted.
Entering the second quarter, trapani fought hard, keeping the pressure but not without mistakes. They went back and forth with Milano, who started to show signs of reclaiming their ground, with notable contributions from Mirotic and Shields. At halftime, the game was tightly contested at 50-47. Both teams displayed resilience, pushing each other to their limits.
Quickly after halftime began, Bolmaro opened the scoring with free throws, igniting Milano's momentum with a 7-0 run. The tempo shifted, and with Milano’s defense tightening the gaps, it was uphill for Trapani. Alarmed by the shift, Repesa called another timeout to regain control. Yet, they found themselves struggling against Milano’s tightened defense and skillful transitions.
Milano’s Shields and Mirotic went on to dominate the quarter, building on their lead. By the time the wrapper was approaching the end of the third, the scoreboard showed 71-55, cementing Milano's authority on the court. Alibegovic, trying to keep Trapani afloat, managed impressive plays, but his efforts couldn’t turn the tide against the mounting pressure from Milano.
With the anticipation of the game heightening, players fought to solidify their standings. Each play meant something, with Repesa and Messina feeling the weight of expectation resting heavily on their shoulders. Despite some challenges and injuries, the game showcased the unyielding spirit of both squads, demonstrating how this basketball season had transcended expectations.
The concluding moments of the game reflected not just the scoreboard but the determination on display. Milano, victorious, sought to reestablish itself as title contenders. The final score echoed through the Unipol Forum—a necessary win, forcing Olimpia to reassess standings once more and returning Trapani to their drawing board as they prepared for future matches. A night defined not solely by the scoreboard but by the experience and relentless pursuit of greatness.
