A big win for the Under 18 Olimpia’s team in round 1 of the Nike International Junior Tournament staged in the Lido. In spite of many defections and even without Coach Paolo Galbiati, busy with the Under 17 team on the road in Tolentino, Olimpia won 62-59 against Zalgiris Kaunas after a 40-minute battle. The game was decided in the last two minutes and half, when the defense got the job done, Flaccadori made a huge steal converting in two easy points, and there was a terrific defensive play by Lollo Restelli: ball deflected, out on the break, he made the ensuing shot. There was also a crucial three made by Giosuè Hamadi with the shot-clock expiring and a mid-range jumper by Flaccadori again. Zalgiris was hold 0/21 from three until the last-second three which reduced the final margin from six to three points, 62-59. Diego Flaccadori led the scorers with 17 points, Alberto Cacace had 14 with 5/5 from the field, Francesco Toso had a terrific game with 8 points and 9 boards in less than 22 minutes. Restelli had his classic all-around game with 7 points, 7 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. “We’re happy because we played against a team with a rich history in this competition but we defended very well and played a consistent game – Coach Marco Esposito said – but it’s already time to think about Real Madrid who has much more physicality”.

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