A job well done in Casale Monferrato, against Derthona, improved Olimpia’s record in the Italian league to 17-2. Olimpia’s interpretation was a solid, serious one. After struggling defensively early in the first quarter, it took control of the game and dominated the second half. Milano held Derthona to 27 points over the last two quarters and won 81-64. More important, the second unit was crucial: Tommaso Baldasso scored 11 points in the second quarter alone, in his game-leading 17 points,  and he was the one putting the team ahead; Davide Alviti was excellent especially in the third quarter, when Olimpia took possession of the game; and finally Jerian Grant had an all around incisive game. The big players did the rest, with Sergio Rodriguez adding eight assists to his eight points; Kyle Hines directing and anchoring the defense; the usual enormous work developed in the paint. “I’m happy because we defeated an excellent team coming from a tough game in Athens, playing with no Delaney, no Datome. The second unit did a great job, we are fortunate to have these kind of serious persons and good players. Baldasso, Grant, Alviti, Biligha gave us a big lift. They entered the game behind and took the lead for us,” Coach Ettore Messina said.