Olimpia Milano Secures Opening Victory Against Trieste, Burnell Shines

Olimpia Milano celebrated their championship debut with a victory, defeating Trieste 83-79 after a challenging match. Jason Burnell was the standout player, delivering a performance fueled by energy and determination with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Wright also contributed, though his play was intermittently affected by fouls.

The Milanese team, while securing 49 rebounds, also committed 11 turnovers. Trieste, with notable efforts from Ross and Candussi, proved to be strong opponents. Before the game, Armani celebrated their Italian Supercup win from the previous week and last season's treble, with club president Leo Dell'Orco setting high expectations for the current season, aiming for a top-four finish in the Euroleague. Captain Pippo Ricci expressed his emotional connection to the celebratory banners, believing Mr. Armani would have been proud.

Milano Edges Out Trieste

Following the celebrations, the game commenced. Trieste, driven by Ross and Candussi, initially pressed, but Milano stayed competitive thanks to Burnell's energy. Points from Cole then sparked a 9-0 run, giving Milano a 30-24 lead. Trieste responded with long-range shots, achieving a 13-3 run between the second and third quarters to take an eight-point lead.

Milano improved their defense and countered with an 11-0 run, led by Thompson's scoring. Hall and Burnell spearheaded a 14-2 run, putting Olimpia ahead after trailing 64-60 (from 64-60 to 78-70). Trieste mounted another comeback, reducing the deficit to three points. A crucial three-pointer from Galloway from the corner brought them within one point at 79-78 with just nine seconds remaining.

Bolmaro and Wright sealed the win from the free-throw line, as Ruzzier missed a half-court three-pointer for the tie. Coach Peppe Poeta acknowledged the game's contrasting halves, noting the team's slow start and the improved intensity in the latter periods. He expressed satisfaction with the victory and looked ahead, acknowledging President Dell'Orco's ambitious outlook. Coach Francesco Taccetti of Trieste remained optimistic, content with his team's performance over 40 minutes and their ability to fight until the final shot.

Milano will soon face their home Euroleague opener against Virtus Bologna tomorrow at 8:30 PM.

MILAN-TRIESTE 83-79
OLIMPIA ARMANI Thompson 9, Tonut, Hall 7, Burnell 21, Wright 16; Cole 11, Diop 5, Bolmaro 11, Ricci 2, Flaccadori 2, Akele. Not playing: Guduric. Coach: Poeta
PALL. TRIESTE Ross 17, Galloway 14, McDermott 7, Deangeli 8, Candussi 13; Canka 4, Ruzzier 8, Jones 10. Not playing: Martucci, Bregant, Cossutta. Coach: Taccetti
REFEREES: Bongiorni, Borgo, Valleriani
NOTES: Quarter scores: 17-19; 38-41; 57-64. Two-point FGs: M 21-47; T 13-30. Three-point FGs: M 8-21; T 13-36. Free throws: M 17-22; T 14-18. Rebounds: M 49 (19 offensive, Burnell 10); T 32 (McDermott 7). Assists: M 17 (Burnell 3); T 12 (Ross 7). Turnovers: M 11; T 9. Steals: M 4; T 7. Spectators: 6427