Olimpia Milan beats Varese 110-77

Olimpia repeated itself in Varese, scoring again more than 100 points, because of incredible three-point shooting, but was capable to take an early lead and control the outcome because it played outstanding defense. “We have been full of energy and intensity at the defensive end of the floor – Coach Ettore Messina said at the end -, while offensively we moved the ball well, and that’s the reason why we shot with extremely high percentages. It was a step forward.” 110-77 was the final score, but Olimpia produced 92 points in the first three quarters, made 17 threes, shooting 61 percent from the arc and used a solid ball movement (22 assists) to earn 30 free throws, making 29 of them. Kevin Punter led all the scorers with 19 points over 18 minutes. Coach Messina was able to share the playing time over 12 players and replaced three players after the first game. Seven guys scored in double figure including Gigi Datome, who scored 12 points with four shots, while Malcolm Delaney set the tone early, scoring seven of his 13 points in the first five minutes including a four-point play to start the game. Riccardo Moraschini set his career highs for free throws earned and made going 11 for 12 from the line. This, just to mention a few notes. Kyle Hines, who was scoreless in the first half (but dished three assists), scored three straight times to start the second half, including a reverse lay-up off an isolation play and a thunderous baseline dunk.