CASALECCHIO DI RENO (ITALPRESS) – EA7 won the fifth Italian Super Cup in its history. It does so at the end of a heart-stopping overtime against a Virtus that tried until the end to subvert the odds. An immense Nebo (20 points), decisive in overtime with Bolmaro (18) with Segafredo abdicating after three years despite Polonara (18) and Shengelia (usually among the best). Olimpia wins because it placed a nightmarish partial (8-0) overturning the inertia of the match that seemed in Bologna’s favor after 93-93, Milan wins because in Messina’s roster there are champions like Nenad Dimitrijevic able to make the difference in every moment of the match. Olimpia finished with six players in double figures, Leday and Mirotic flawless from the line and 45 rebounds (9 Tonut and Nebo) to garnish a tasty cake. Bologna struggled, opposed Clyburn, the usual Shengelia, Morgan who gave a great hand and Tucker. But it was not enough. Virtus started well (11-20) with Zizic’s baskets, Polonara’s dunk that made Messina call time and Clyburn’s triple. Milan suffered from the Bianconeri’s resourcefulness and speed until 24-39 in the second quarter when Polonara’s triple made the Unipol Arena gasp. Then the red-and-white army began, slowly, to pull back. When Nebo stoppages Shengelia you could tell something was going to change soon. A semi hook by Zizic for the 45-29 Bolognese then Olimpia begins to nibble points. Milan is back under double-digit deficit in an instant (36-45) then, after the long break, the comeback begins. Mirotic gets unblocked and hits from the arc (44-50) then leans for -5 forcing Banchi to stop the clock. A technical to Belinelli then it is Mirotic, from the lunette, to seal the 53-all tie. It travels on the line between Bolmaro’s prowess and Polonara’s answers. Tucker makes the Unipol Arena explode, Mirotic is explosive. In the last quarter, the tension slices through. Mirotic, with a triple, gives +3 to Milan (82-79), Bologna reacts, by Nebo the tie at 84 with 5″ to go. Clyburn’s triple is worth the overtime where the Emiliani immediately spurt to 88-93 with Polonara. But Milano is Milano, partial of 8-0 and Virtus with its back to the wall. Clyburn’s triple for -2 but it’s not enough.- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
