Shabazz Napier returned to the court where he was successful last season and took immediately the win, scoring 16 points in a 74-51 triumph over Cremona. “Our defense was impeccable for at least three quarters, our veterans played with great attention,” Coach Ettore Messina said.

Olimpia held Vanoli to 22-first half points, tried to extend the lead early in the third, gaining a 13-point margin a couple of times. Cremona made six threes in the period and stayed in the game traling by seven after three quarters. The last period was a devastation. Cremona scored four points, Olimpia built a 15-point lead after four minutes. After Cremona’s coach Cavina called a timeout, Olimpia placed one more 10-0 run and led by as many as 25 points. “They play well, they are using all the weapons they have, so I’m happy for the win. Napier gave us a lift, some rhythm, some scoring and the other point guard, Flaccadori, benefitted from it. The same goes for Devon Hall, who was aggressive offensively”, Coach Messina said.

While Napier led the scorers with 16 points, Devon Hall added 14 and Nicolò Melli nine. “We were able to win essentially without the real Shavon Shields. He wasn’t supposed to play, but asked to help the team. He managed himself not to create problems, but played defense, made the right plays”, Coach Messina pointed out. The team was without Nikola Mirotic, Maodo Lo and Pippo Ricci. Billy Baron sat the game out. Alex Poythress took a day off, too.