Olimpia Milano faced off against Olympiacos Piraeus on Thursday night, suffering yet another heart-wrenching defeat, this time by the narrow margin of 84-83 during Round 18 of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague 2024/25. Despite showcasing commendable teamwork and skill throughout the match, the EA7 Emporio Armani Milano's effort fell short, marking their third consecutive loss.
The game began with both teams displaying high energy and determination, resulting in a balanced first quarter where the score stood at 19-19. Milano's Leandro Bolmaro made notable contributions, sinking important shots and demonstrating defensive prowess against Olympiacos' Evan Fournier. The early competitiveness set the tone for what turned out to be a tight contest.
During the second quarter, Olympiacos fought to gain the upper hand, with Shavon Shields and Nikola Mirotic leading Milano's charge. Milano started to pull away with a 7-0 run, temporarily taking the lead thanks to stellar plays from Shields and Bolmaro. The advantage, though, was fleeting; Olympiacos responded with their deep talent pool. By halftime, the score tipped slightly in favor of the visitors at 41-40.
Coming out of the break, Olympiacos sharpened their focus, with Fournier igniting their offense as he poured in 14 points during the third quarter. Meanwhile, Milano attempted to keep pace, relying heavily on Mirotic and Shields. A magnificent three-pointer from Bolmaro tied the game, but the Greeks regained control, ending the third quarter at 64-60.
With just minutes to go, the tension escalated. Bolmaro's excellent performance gave fans hope as he notched 14 points and 6 assists, but as the clock wound down, it became evident the match would go down to the final possession. Milano's defense tightened, and they clawed their way back to make it 83-84 with mere seconds to play.
Unfortunately for the home side, with the last opportunity to seize victory, Bolmaro and Mannion failed to connect, resulting in another painful turnover for the EA7. Coach Ettore Messina acknowledged the team's effort but expressed frustration at the missed chances. "C'è il rammarico per un'altra occasione mancata di poco, ma la prestazione di Milano resta di alto livello," he said, reflecting on the performance.
This match encapsulated the spirit and tenacity of Olimpia Milano, who fought valiantly but were unable to secure the win. The loss leaves them with a 9-9 record, putting their playoff aspirations on thin ice. Despite the heartache, positivity lingered among players and fans alike, as the team promised to build on their strengths moving forward.
Next up for Milano will be another tough challenge as they prepare to face ASVEL Villeurbanne, eyeing redemption and hoping to reverse their current trend. The Euroleague season continues to challenge Milano, but with players like Mirotic, Shields, and promising talents like Bolmaro, there is hope for brighter days ahead.
