By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
AX Armani Exchange Milan keeps up its winning streak after defeating reigning champions Anadolu Efes 75-71 in Round 4, in a highly-anticipated matchup since the two teams never crossed paths in last season’s Final Four.
Milan kept its cool despite an 11-0 run by Efes entering the fourth quarter (Milan led 63-49 after 30 minutes). Konstantinos Mitoglou (9 points, 7 rebounds) took charge for the hosts to place them ahead once again and Devon Hall (13 points) added up to the efforts, as the Turkish side started running out of fuel in crunch time.
Malcolm Delaney led the efforts of the hosts with 16 points, 5 assists, Shavon Shields had 12 points and Luigi Datome added 11 points.
“Malcolm had a very good game on both ends of the court, both offensively and defensively. With the injuries he’s had, it’s important for us to see what he can give us”, commented Ettore Messina in the post-game press conference.
On the other end of the court, Vasilije Micic paced Efes with 17 points, 5 assists, Shane Larkin tapped 13 points and 7 rebounds, Andrien Moerman followed with 12 and Filip Petrusev added 10 points.
“We hustled, we played good defense, but we missed a lot of shots, we made a lot of turnovers. We fought, but we were not successful. Congratulations to Milan, they have had a very good start of the season”, mentioned Ergin Ataman after the game.
Four rounds in the new season, the champions remain winless and will look to pick up their first victory when they face UNICS Kazan at home next Thursday for Round 5.
Photo: EuroLeague