During the third quarter, Coach Ettore Messina extended Olimpia’s defense and ordered a 3-2 zone once Pesaro entered the half-court. Down by 13, scorched by Pesaro’s hot shooting night (12 threes, 19-for-19 from the line), by the legendary Carlos Delfino never-ending talent, Olimpia turned the game around. The defense stopped Pesaro’s offense, generated some turnovers that produced easy points and at the offensive end of the floor, finally, Milan found its rhythm. Gigi Datome made four straight three-pointers, sustaining Michael Roll who made 3 out of 4 bombs. Olimpia, who was 2-for-9 from three in the first half, made 6 out of 8 attempts in the fourth quarter alone, came back and won 97-93. The decisive field goal was another three, this time with Sergio Rodriguez, who had also eight assists for the night. “We knew it was going to be a difficult game, because Pesaro is playing well and is very well organized by Jasmin Repesa, while we are a little bit short in terms of energy, legs. Still, we responded beautifully in the second half, our zone defense was effective, everybody helped and Gigi Datome made some vital threes,” Coach Messina said.

Five players scored in double figure. Olimpias was playing without Malcolm Delaney, Kyle Hines and Vlado Micov. Zach LeDay had another impressive effort, scoring 24 points, going 10-for-10 from the linea and adding seven rebounds. Shavon Shields extended his double-digit games streak (he’s 14-for-14 so far) with 22 points and seven boards. But Olimpia came back with a 3-2 very aggressive zone defense that featured Riccardo Moraschini at the point, and also Andrea Cinciarini was there. This is why Messina pointed out everybody’s effort. Datome finished with 18 points over 18 minutes of playing time.

Olimpia improved to 12-1 and clinched the number 1 spot in the Italian Cup Final Eight scheduled to be played in Milan in February.