The American with 20 points and key plays is the best on the pitch. The Italian Cup draw has been defined: Milan will challenge Trieste
Milan passes to Naples (71-77) and achieves the sixth consecutive success in the championship, which allows Olimpia to shorten the distance from the top of the rankings (to -2, after the exclusion of Trapani). The growth from beyond the arc in the second half was decisive (5/7), after the very meager 1/15 of the first 20′. Decisive 20 points from a great Brooks. Napoli falls for the eighth time in the championship, despite 21 points from Flagg. Magro’s men suffered 16 turnovers. In light of this result and also of Trapani’s exclusion from the championship, and of how the ranking has changed after this provision, the scoreboard for the Final Eight of the Italian Cup scheduled for 18 to 22 February in Turin has been defined as follows: Bologna (1)-Naples (8), Venice (4)-Tortona (5), Milan (3)-Trieste (6) Brescia (2)-Udine (7).
intense wars
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After a balanced start, Napoli took the lead in the match at the Alcott Arena. Magro’s team finds rhythm in transition and takes advantage of El-Amin’s incursions and triples from an excellent Flagg to try to escape (23-15 a few seconds from the 10th minute). Milan has a problem with percentages, especially from the arc (1/15 at 20′), they try their luck in the area, but often come up against Napoli’s physical defense, failing to build concrete advantages. Neapolitan’s excellent work in protecting the rim is highlighted by the rebounds (21-16 at 20′), with Crosswell the absolute protagonist (10 total captured, 6 in defence). The guests stay afloat by forcing 9 turnovers on their opponents and thanks to the average play of Bolmaro and LeDay. EA7’s first triple of the evening belongs to the Argentinian (33-26 at 15′), who brings Olimpia closer, after a series of flashes from a great Mitrou-Long, lethal from the arc and in approach.
Brooks decisive
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At the start of the second half, Milan regained the advantage, after having also reached -12 in the first half. The comeback of Poeta’s boys continues, thanks to a series of individual initiatives by LeDay and Brooks who score in suspension, and culminates with a dunk by Nebo which gives Milan the lead (40-41 in the 25th minute). The match returns point to point, but Napoli tries a new escape towards the end of the third period, thanks to two triples from Flagg (53-48 in the 29th minute). Brooks carries the EA7 on his shoulders once again and with a 3/3 from 6.75 ties the match at 58 in the 31st minute. The match, after a long interruption due to a problem relating to LeDay’s foul count, was decided at the end. Great defense and a three-point play by Brooks launch Olimpia (63-68 in the 38th minute). Ellis’ triple spells the end (63-71 with just a few seconds left).
Naples: Flagg 21, Mitrou-Long 13, El-Amin 11
Milan: Brooks 20, LeDay 16, Shields 14
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