Olimpia Milano mathematically obtains first place at the end of the first leg of the LBA thanks to the great success against Tortona for 79-63. Messina’s men immediately start strong, impose their defense and take control of the game. The game ends in the third quarter when the hosts reach +26.
Melli and the post
The Milanese captain immediately starts the match strong, letting everyone understand his intentions for the evening. Beyond the usual performance of substance, he offers one of the tactical keys that lead Milan to win the game: creation from the post
The defensive couplings with Daum and Severini they represented a point on which the Milanese staff paid particular attention. Melli immediately causes two quick fouls by Ramondino’s starting 4 and during the match generates numerous advantages from the post position, taking advantage of the pairings indicated above.
Also on the wheel Hines and Davies follow suitgiving a significant additional option to attack Milan.
Mitrou-Long
The other good news of the evening is the Mitrou-Long match. 11 points and 19 evaluation. 50% on 3-point shooting and overall an attack that ran more thanks to him too.
In addition to all this, there is thegreat job defensively in putting pressure on the ball. His application removed Chirston from the game, eliminating the potential 14 points average of the Tortona winger.
Macura and change
The work of the defense of Milan against Macura should be underlined. Marked by Hall at the start, Messina opts for systematic changes on its receptions. Effective work thanks above all to the great mobility of Hines, Ricci, Melli and Davies.
No sterni no party
The difficult evening in Tortona is summed up in the figures of its main tenors: Macura rounds up 12 with widely run oxen, Harper stops at 3, Christon at 8 and Daum 4. Severini’s 12 and Radosevic’s 10 stand out.
Milan’s defense clearly prepared the match on Tortona’s main offensive options, Ramondino struggled to find a way to get into the rhythm. Despite the excellent response from the second lines, Tortona was overwhelmed by the excellent evening in Milan.
Lost bet
Ramondino immediately tries to challenge Olimpia to shoot from outside, as done by his other colleagues in the latest releases. Strategy that unfortunately doesn’t pay for him given the evening inspired by the Milan arch in the first 3/4.
Most of Tortona’s defensive choices turned out to be ineffective due to the prolific evening from the arc at Olimpia.
The presence of Radosevic and Cain forces Tortona to contain defenses on the pick and roll. Furthermore, always in line with the initial choice, the guests pass behind almost all the pick and roll blocks and delivered. They try to physically keep up with the reception of posts, inevitably exposing themselves on the perimeter.
