A Disappointing Night in Athens for Armani Exchange Milan
Milan’s Armani Exchange team suffered a setback in their Euroleague campaign on February 24, 2022, falling to Olympiacos 67-58 at the Peace & Friendship Arena in Athens. Despite a strong start,Ettore Messina’s squad,fresh off their Italian Cup victory,faltered in the final quarter,allowing Olympiacos to seize control.
Olympiacos’s resurgence was spearheaded by the extraordinary play of Costas Sloukas and Sasha Vezenkov, who combined for 32 points. Sloukas’s clutch three-pointers and Vezenkov’s consistent scoring proved too much for Milan to handle. Shaquielle McKissic, formerly of Pesaro, also made a meaningful contribution with 14 points, while Mustapha Fall dominated the paint with 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Milan, who led for the majority of the game, saw their advantage evaporate in the final 10 minutes. Olympiacos outscored them 28-15 in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the victory. Devon Hall was the only Milanese player to reach double figures, scoring 15 points.
The game began with Milan establishing a commanding lead,fueled by the strong performance of Melli. Olympiacos struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting a dismal 7-15 from the field, including a shocking 2-14 from inside the arc and 0-6 from three-point range.
Though, Olympiacos rallied in the second quarter, closing the gap to just two points at halftime (25-27). Sloukas and McKissic led the charge, sparking a 9-0 run that breathed new life into the home team.
The third quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with Milan clinging to a slim lead (39-43). But the tide turned decisively in the fourth quarter. Sloukas’s two crucial three-pointers, coupled with baskets from fall and Vezenkov, created a deficit that Milan couldn’t overcome.
Despite the loss, there was a positive note for Milan with the return of Dinos Mitoglou, who contributed 8 points.
Breaking Down Milan’s Disappointment in Athens: An Interview wiht Coach Dino Radja
Teh Armani Exchange Milan fanbase is reeling after a tough loss against Olympiacos in athens. While a strong start hinted at a pleasant victory, the final quarter saw the Greek powerhouse take control, leaving Milan fans questioning what went wrong. Too understand this unexpected turn of events,we sat down with legendary Croatian player and coach,Dino Radja,for his expert analysis.
Radja: “Let’s be clear: Olympiacos played a fantastic fourth quarter. Sloukas and Vezenkov stepped up big time, hitting crucial shots and controlling the pace of the game. But Milan wasn’t as sharp defensively as they needed to be. Allowing a team like Olympiacos to gain momentum like that is a recipe for disaster.”
Moderator: Absolutely. Milan seemed to lose their composure towards the end.Was it a case of fatigue after winning the Italian Cup,or was there something else at play?
Radja: “Fatigue could have been a factor,but I think it was more about Olympiacos raising their intensity. They smelled blood in the water and went for the kill. Milan seemed to hesitate, allow Olympiacos to dictate the game, and that’s when things started to unravel.”
Moderator: Looking at individual performances, Devon Hall was a standout for Milan. Is there a bigger role for him going forward?
Radja: “Hall is definitely a talented player, and 15 points is a good return.Though, Milan needs more than just one player firing on all cylinders. They need a collective effort, especially against a team like olympiacos.”
Moderator: It was encouraging to see Dinos Mitoglou back in action, contributing 8 points. How important is his presence for Milan moving forward?
Radja: “Mitoglou’s return is a huge boost for Milan. He brings experience, size, and a scoring threat. If Milan can manage his minutes effectively, he can be a real asset in their push for the playoffs.”
Moderator: Olympiacos’s comeback was powered by their bench players, notably McKissic and Fall.Was this a reflection of Milan’s bench depth, or simply Olympiacos playing a smarter game?
Radja: “Both factors played a role. Olympiacos’s bench players brought energy and production when it mattered most.Milan need to find a way to get more consistent contributions from their bench to compete at this level.”
Moderator: What are your thoughts on Milan’s prospects moving forward in the Euroleague?
Radja: “This loss is a setback, but Milan is still a good team. They have a talented roster and a capable coach. If they can learn from this experience, address their weaknesses, and bounce back with a renewed sense of focus, they can still challenge for a playoff spot.”
Now, we want to hear from you! what are your thoughts on Milan’s loss to Olympiacos? Do you agree with Coach Radja’s analysis? What changes do you think Milan needs to make to turn things around? Share your opinions in the comments below!
