AX Armani Exchange Milan took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Italian League finals with a 94-82 victory over Virtus Segafredo Bologna on Sunday. Nicolo Melli shined with 22 points for the winners, Shavon Shields scored 19 and grabbed 7 rebounds, Jerian Grant added 14 points and Luigi Datome 12. Daniel Hackett paced Virtus with 18 points, Milos Teodosic and Marco Belinelli scored 14 apiece and Toko Shengelia 10.
Shields racked up 10 early points as Milan grabbed a 19-10 lead. Melli extended the margin to double figures. Virtus fought back to within 31-27 after 10 minutes and then Daniel and Teodosic combined on the first 7 points of the second quarter to give Virtus the lead. Datome and Shields responded for the hosts, who held on for a 48-45 advantage at the break. Mam Jaiteh got Virtus within 1 early in the second half before Melli heated up for Milan. The home team went for 30 points in the third quarter to extend the lead. Belinelli scored 10 quick points, but that only narrowed the gap to 83-76. Sergio Rodriguez soon restored a double-digit lead and Virtus never threatened again.
