By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Italian League Finals will last at least one more game.
Reyer Venezia defended its home court and defeated Olimpia Milano 109-97 in Game 3, cutting the series deficit to 2-1 after Milano had won the opening two games of the championship series.
The contest was tightly contested throughout the first half. Milano held a narrow 26-25 lead after the opening quarter, while the teams entered halftime tied at 50-50 behind a strong offensive display from Shavon Shields, who had already scored 16 points.
The turning point came in the third quarter. Led by Jordan Parks and R.J. Cole, Venezia took control of the game and opened a double-digit advantage. The hosts outscored Milano 36-19 in the period to build an 86-69 lead heading into the final ten minutes.
Parks erupted for 22 points, all of them coming after halftime, while Cole added 18. Tessitori, Bowman and Horton chipped in with 15 points apiece, while Wiltjer finished with 14, as six Venezia players reached double figures in the victory.
Milano was paced by Armoni Brooks with 22 points, while Leandro Bolmaro added 20 and Shields finished with 19. However, Ettore Messina’s side never recovered from its difficult third quarter and was unable to seriously threaten Venezia’s lead down the stretch.
Game 4 will once again be played in Venice, where Reyer remains unbeaten in the 2026 playoffs.
Legabasket Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best-of-five)
- Virtus Bologna 3-2 Dolomiti Energia Trentino (102-71, 84-87, 85-102, 90-81, 106-95)
- Reyer Venezia 3-2 Dertona Basket (89-82, 87-75, 71-82, 71-89, 89-83)
- Brescia 3-2 Pallacanestro Trieste (90-92, 90-82, 84-80, 77-83, 90-75)
- Emporio Armani Milano 3-0 Reggio Emilia (96-84, 77-65, 84-72)
Semifinals (best-of-five)
- Virtus Bologna 1-3 Reyer Venezia (83-91, 98-79, 85-89, 90-83)
- Brescia 1-3 Emporio Armani Milano (72-88, 85-79, 68-93, 91-86)
Finals (best-of-five)
- Emporio Armani Milano 2 – 1 Reyer Venezia (100-80, 92-79, 97-109)
Make