ITA - Schultze three-pointers huge as Milano turn back Premiata

BOLOGNA (Coppa Italia) - Sven Schultze equalled a season-high 16 points as Armani Jeans Milano held off a very determined Premiata Montegranaro to win the opening game of the Coppa Italia 74-70.

German international Schultze made four three-pointers at the Pala Malaguti, the most important with just under three minutes remaining to level the game at 69-69 immediately after Randolph Childress had struck from long range for Premiata.

Veteran center Joseph Blair, after Luca Vitali missed with a three-point attempt for Premiata, scored down low to put Armani Jeans into the lead for good.

Misan Nikagbatse, another German who like Schultze won a silver medal at EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade, was off target with a three and he then fouled Nate Green, who sank both shots to stretch the lead to 74-70.

Milano held on for a deserved win, although Premiata showed why they have been one of the real surprise teams in Italy this season.

Stefano Pillastrini's team pushed the Italian giants all the way to the end, with Valerioi Amoroso scoring 17 points.

Armani Jeans Milano coach Aleksandar Djordjevic admitted he did not have to motivate his players against one of the newcomers to Lega A because in their regular season game on October 22, Premiata had won 76-63.

Djordevic told PA Sport: "We knew the quality of this team, that they had played together for the last three years and had done very well in the league. It was a tough game but in the end, we won because we made less mistakes than them.

"Schultze had a great game. I am really happy because he is giving a lot to this team and is showing a lot of heart."

Milano last won the Coppa Italia in 1996.

"Our aim is to continue (with the teamwork)," Djordevic said. "We win as a team and we lose as a team."

Cindy Garcia-Bennett
Bologna, FIBA