The Baskonia did not take their farewell to the Euroleague seriously. Laso’s team suffered a clear defeat against Armani Milan, who at least had the advantage of playing at home.
Baskonia ended their journey in the Euroleague this season with a decisive loss (111-89) against EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Thursday at the Unipol Forum. They were condemned in a disastrous first half (62-35) due to the Italian team’s accuracy from beyond the arc.
Pablo Laso’s team had nothing at stake, just like last week at the Buesa Arena against ASVEL. Playing away from home took away ambition from the Basques, reflecting a campaign with only two away victories. Baskonia’s battle now shifts to the playoffs of the Liga Endesa, lacking incentives in Milan.
Meanwhile, although also eliminated but on the brink of the ‘Top 10’ of the play-in, the Italian team showcased their quality from the perimeter with eleven three-pointers in the first half. Nikola Mirotic and Zach Leday led the charge for the home team with impressive performances.
Baskonia faded from the game after Khalifa Diop’s early actions, showing promise but also committing two quick fouls. Chima Moneke was the only positive for Laso’s side, as Milan continued to extend their lead in the second quarter, reaching a +31 difference (58-27).
Vitoria’s team had a chance to improve in the second half, while Ettore Messina’s side seemed destined to ease off the gas pedal. The third quarter saw Markus Howard warming up for Baskonia, but the back-and-forth exchanges did little to change the score for the Basques (82-61).
In the final quarter, just in case the visiting team intended to spoil the Italian fans’ celebration, Milan pushed harder with Leday finishing as the top scorer with 32 points, including six three-pointers. Mirotic set a record with a valuation of 40, tallying 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Luka Samanic (17 points) stood out for Baskonia.
TECHNICAL SHEET.
- RESULT: EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 111 – Baskonia 89. (62-35 at halftime).
TEAMS.
- EA7 Emporio Armani Milan: Mannion (8), Tonut (-), Ricci (7), Mirotic (23), Leday (32) — starting five — Brooks (18), Gillespie (-), Caruso (4), Diop (11), Flaccadori (6), Lonati (-), Bortolani (2).
- Baskonia: Forrest (7), Howard (8), Sedekerskis (5), Moneke (9), Diop (8) — starting five — Raieste (7), Luwawu-Cabarrot (8), Savkov (-), Rogkavopoulos (10), Hall (10), Samanic (17).
QUARTER SCORES:
- 31-18, 31-17, 20-26, 29-28.
REFEREES: Mogulkoc, Ryzhyk, and Sukys. No ejections.
VENUE: Unipol Forum.