ITA – Milano lose Maciulis, hit back to beat Roma

MILAN (Lega A) - Armani Jeans Milano came from behind in the fourth quarter to win at home against Lottomatica Roma and stay unbeaten in Italy’s Lega A.

Piero Bucchi's side won 76-70 but victory came at a cost with Lithuania forward Jonas Maciulis spraining his ankle.

The sharpshooter looks set to miss this week's Euroleague encounter at home to CSKA Moscow.

The game was knotted at 70-70 midway through the fourth quarter after a Charles Smith three-ball for Roma but David Hawkins, Milano's leading scorer with 22 points, made one of two free-throws and then added a basket to put the hosts in front to stay.

Roma slumped to 2-4 with the setback.

"We played with a lot of great mental strength," Bucchi said.

"We were able to recover a game that was not going very well for us, especially after Maciulis' injury which shortened our rotations.

"I'm happy because the team was able to play with great character, allowing only 22 points throughout the second half to Lottomatica.

"They (Roma) played a good game. They are a physical team and equipped for the Euroleague.

"We were able to grow, bringing home two important points. Now we must concentrate on the Euroleague: Wednesday's game is important for our journey and I hope to be able to recover at least Petravicius."

A foot problem kept our Milano's other Lithuanian, Petravicius.

David Hawkins led Milano with 22 points against his former team.

Roma coach Matthew Boniciolli was angry about letting a lead slip but encouraged by his team's fight.

"I am convinced that we can continue to improve and position ourselves in an area more suitable to our expectations," he said.

Montepaschi Siena warmed up for their Euroleague game at Cholet with a 101-81 win at home against Angelico Biella.

Benetton Treviso won for just the second time, prevailing 90-71 over Teramo (0-6).

Devin Smith scored 24 points and Donatas Motiejunas 23 for Treviso.

Sharrod Ford hit two free-throws in the final minute for Fabi Shoes Montegranaro as they won 79-77 at Virtus Bologna (4-2).

The visitors didn’t make it easy on themselves.

Andrea Cinciarini had a chance to extend the lead but missed two from the stripe after being fouled by Guiseppe Poeta.

Marcelus Kemp, who had 23 points for Virtus, was off target with a shot from long range and then Valerio Amoroso missed a potential game-tying shot.

Ford finished with 21 points as Montegranaro evened their record at 3-3.

Benetton Cantu improved to 4-2 with a 75-71 victory at Air Avellino.

Pepsi Caserta claimed a 76-64 triumph at Enel Brindisi.

Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro won at home over Dinamo Sassari, 79-68.

Vanoli-Braga Cremona whipped Carlo Recalcati's Cimberio Varese, 103-79.

FIBA