Madrid fall to defeat in Milan

Real Madrid’s eight-match winning run came to a close on their visit to EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. The game got underway in positive fashion, but the home team’s impressive numbers from the three-point line meant our boys were always trailing and were just unable to find a response. Campazzo, with 25 points and a PIR of 28, was the standout performer for the team, who face another European clash against Paris Basketball at the Movistar Arena in 48 hours' time (Thursday, 8:45 pm CET).
The madridistas started out with contrasting form in Milan. A fantastic opening five minutes yielded 17 points, including 10 for Lyles, to make it 9-17 as confidence flowed. But the scoring dried up completely in the following 5 and the Italians' direct play based around three-pointers (5) meant they finished the first quarter in front thanks to Ellis and Leday's efforts (23-31, min. 10).
Trailing to triples 
The hosts were enjoying a real purple patch from the three-point line that only served to strengthen their belief. Lorenzo Brown and Brooks came to the fore to drive EA7 Emporio Armani to a 14-point lead in the second quarter. Madrid did their best to counter some 10/17 triples by their opponent, but a lack of threat on the outside made it difficult. Campazzo, Feliz and Lyles pulled the team up and cut the deficit to 11 at half-time (50-39, min. 20).
Madrid were far more intense and aggressive in defense at the start of quarter three. At 57-41 with 24 minutes gone, the dynamics of the game changed. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan saw their numbers drop off and scoring points became a tougher task. This positive defensive spell for the madridistas was coupled with some smooth offensive play and four triples. Campazzo (5 points) and Hezonja (8) linked up for 13 successive points to bring Scariolo's boys back to within 6 points, winning the period 16-21 (66-60, min. 30).
Madrid dig deep
An Okeke basket made it 66-62 with the full final quarter still to play. But just as it looked like the comeback was on, the Italians found an answer from the three-point line, led mainly by Guduric (84-71, min. 37). Madrid refused to lie down though, and threw everything they had at going for victory. They came within inches - two Campazzo three-pointers (for a total of 25 points and a PIR of 28) edged the team to within 4 points with just over a minute left to play. Yet another Guduric triple in the next play ultimately decided the game, with the Italians recording 51.9% success rate from 6.75m (89-82, min. 40).
EMPORIO ARMANI MILAN-REAL MADRID STATISTICS