A defensive gem, one more time. Olimpia held Pesaro to 59 points on its way to a thunderous 87-59 win in the Italian Cup final. Just like the team did in the previous two games, Olimpia built its win at the defensive end of the floor. The defense forced turnovers, ignited the fast-break, generated assists. Pesaro was shocked since the very first possessions, Olimpia took control early and never relinquished it, trailing only 6-5. “We played at a high level the entire week-end. We struggled early in the semifinal game, when we got into our rhythm we played really well. Tonight they were probably tired and fatigued, but give a lot of credit to the guys, because they hit the ground with great attention and never raised the foot,” Coach Ettore Messina said.
Olimpia won its Italian Cup number 7, it was also the second season’s trophy after the Supercup and the 10th triumph since Giorgio Armani bought the team. Gigi Datome who was the most consistent player won the MVP award, Sergio Rodriguez finished with 26 assists in three games, but it was a collective effort. “We won by using our best tools – Coach Messina added – We defended well, we defended together, we shared the ball at the offensive end of the floor.”
The game story is not existent. Olimpia took the lead immediately and progressed to the win, using all the 12 players available. No hero-ball was necessary. “I’m proud to coach this team, not because these guys are making shots. I’m proud because of the effort they put each and every day in practice. And I’m proud to work for this club, the Armani family, for Mr. Armani himself and Mr. Dell’Orco. After a complicated season, they showed faith, they believed in us as persons more than as professionals. I’ve won everywhere with the exception of Madrid, and winning here is not secondary. It’s special, actually.”
For Ettore Messina himself, this win is the Italian Cup number eight in his career. “There’s not time to celebrate because on Thursday we need to play well against Maccabi. Our priority is to win the Italian league, but right now we have a little margin for errors in the league and the EuroLeague race is getting down the home-stretch. So I will try to prioritize the EuroLeague for a little while because we can afford it and it’s worthy. This win gives us confidence,” he said.
