Olimpia Milano: Virtus heart conquers the Forum

Milan - Once again, facing a match to win, the Olympia she stops in front of the obstacle appearing shy and scared. Virtus Bologna conquers the Forum 68-78 showing a huge heart, going beyond the absences of Clyburn and Polonara that, paradoxically, made it even lighter in spirit. Milan drowns without ever managing to push on the counterattack, crushed by the Bologna defense that never lets them get into rhythm.

The atypical quintets of Milan do not find the advantages they hoped for, Armani clings only to Mirotic (21 points, 6 rebounds, 30 evaluation), but preaches in the desert and it is too little with less than 70 points scored as a team. The problems are always the same as when Milan has lost the games that matter. The first change of pace of Virtus is signed by Belinelli with 5 points in a row for 12-22, but when the offensive talents return Milan immediately closes (21-25). Bologna with Shengelia pushes up to +9 (27-36), Milan goes back up with Brooks 35-40 at halftime.

The restart is disconcerting, 4 points by Virtus (35-44), a Milan loss in 45” that lead an enraged Messina to call a timeout. One step at a time Milan gets closer, tying with Mirotic and Shields (50-50 at 28'), then a triple by Brooks gives the overtaking at 57-56 at 31'. It lasts one action, Virtus is very solid and with a “3+1” by Cordinier advances (57-62). Milan stays attached to the train with Mirotic (68-72 at 37'), but it is the baskets by Shengelia and Akele that set the point of 2-1 for the Bolognese. Saturday 7 at 20.45:XNUMX at the Forum the chance for Milan to remain in the series, for Virtus the opportunity to reach the final.  

ARMANI MILANO-SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA 68-78 15-25; 35-40; 54-54

MILAN: Mannion 7, Causeur 5, Tonut, Bolmaro 4, Brooks 6, LeDay 8, Ricci 3, Flaccadori, Diop, Caruso ne, Shields 14, Mirotic 21. Messina Coach 

BOLOGNA: Cordinier 19, Accorsi ne, Belinelli 7, Pajola, Taylor 12, Shengelia 19, Hackett 4, Morgan 3, Diouf 8, Zizic 2, Akele 4. Coach Ivanovic