Fourth Quarter Explosion Seals Road Victory for Belgrade
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade delivered a stunning fourth quarter performance to overcome EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 104-96 at the Allianz Cloud in Round 22 of EuroLeague action. After trailing by eight points heading into the final period, the Serbian powerhouse turned the game on its head with a commanding 34-14 fourth quarter surge that left the home crowd stunned and silenced.
The victory marks a crucial bounce-back for Crvena Zvezda, who had suffered consecutive defeats against Zalgiris Kaunas and Valencia Basket in their previous outings. For Milan, the loss continues a frustrating period of inconsistency, despite coming off impressive victories against Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens earlier in January.
Milan's Strong Start Unravels
The opening half appeared to set the stage for a Milan celebration. The Italian side executed their game plan effectively through the first two quarters, building a 55-52 lead at halftime. Shavon Shields was particularly impressive during this stretch, showcasing his offensive versatility and shooting an exceptional 8-of-10 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, to finish with 22 points.
Milan's first quarter saw them edge ahead 27-25, with balanced scoring and solid defensive rotations keeping Crvena Zvezda's dangerous perimeter threats in check. The second quarter belonged entirely to the hosts, who outscored their opponents 30-17 to establish what seemed like a comfortable cushion heading into the locker room.
Armoni Brooks provided steady contributions throughout his 26-plus minutes on court, chipping in 10 points while adding three assists and two steals. Zach Leday worked tirelessly on both ends, recording 8 points and 7 rebounds in nearly 30 minutes of action, though his 3-of-9 shooting efficiency suggested the struggle Milan would face in the decisive moments.
Nwora and Butler Lead the Charge
For Crvena Zvezda, the victory was built on exceptional offensive contributions from their American duo. Jordan Nwora led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 8-of-15 from the field while adding 4 rebounds and 2 steals. His ability to create his own shot and knock down crucial baskets in transition proved vital during the second half surge.
Coming off the bench, Jared Butler delivered a masterclass in efficiency, scoring 18 points on an impressive 7-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-5 from two-point range. His 17 efficiency rating was matched by his ability to change the game's momentum with his quick decision-making and fearless attacking of the basket. Butler's performance exemplified the impact a spark plug reserve can have in turning a game around.
Moneke's All-Around Excellence
Chima Moneke was simply outstanding for the visitors, posting 18 points on efficient 5-of-10 shooting while demonstrating perfect discipline at the free-throw line with 6-of-6 conversions. Beyond his scoring, the Nigerian forward contributed 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block, earning a game-high 21 efficiency rating that told the story of his comprehensive impact on both ends of the floor.
The veteran presence of Nikola Kalinic also proved crucial off the bench. The Serbian forward contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks, providing the physical presence and basketball IQ necessary to navigate the pressure moments of the fourth quarter.
Miller-McIntyre Orchestrates the Victory
Perhaps no player was more important to Crvena Zvezda's triumph than point guard Codi Miller-McIntyre. The American floor general posted an outstanding stat line of 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, coming agonizingly close to a triple-double while recording a team-high 24 efficiency rating. His ability to control tempo, make the right pass, and attack when necessary made him the conductor of Belgrade's symphony in the crucial fourth quarter.
Miller-McIntyre's court vision was particularly evident as he navigated through Milan's defense, finding open shooters and cutters while also showing the willingness to take over scoring responsibilities when required. His 6-of-13 shooting included crucial baskets in the paint that demoralized Milan's defenders during the decisive final period.
Milan's Bench Production Not Enough
While Milan's starting lineup performed admirably, the bench contributions told a contrasting story between the two teams. Josh Nebo was excellent for Milan, scoring 12 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting while grabbing 5 rebounds and drawing 5 fouls. His efficiency rating of 20 highlighted just how effective he was during his 22 minutes on court.
Leandro Bolmaro also provided a spark with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 21 minutes, showing flashes of the creativity and scoring ability that make him such a valuable reserve. Marko Guduric added 11 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance.
However, these contributions paled in comparison to the collective output from Crvena Zvezda's second unit, which combined for significant scoring and defensive pressure that ultimately overwhelmed the Italian side.
The Decisive Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter was a complete reversal of fortune. After Milan had led 82-78 heading into the final period, Crvena Zvezda's defensive intensity reached another level. The visitors forced difficult shots, contested every possession, and turned defensive stops into transition opportunities that Milan simply could not match.
Offensively, Belgrade found their rhythm through a combination of sharp ball movement and individual brilliance. The 34-14 scoring advantage in the final frame was a clinic in execution and composure. While Milan managed just 14 points in ten minutes, shooting went cold at the worst possible time, with players rushing shots and losing composure as the deficit grew.
Devin Booker had started the game for Milan but was limited to just over 15 minutes due to foul trouble, finishing with 8 points. His early exit disrupted some of Milan's offensive flow and left them searching for scoring options when the game was on the line.
Rebounding and Second Chances
While neither team dominated the glass completely, Crvena Zvezda's ability to secure offensive rebounds at crucial moments provided second-chance opportunities that proved invaluable. The combination of Ebuka Izundu and Semi Ojeleye off the bench gave Belgrade the physicality needed to compete on the boards, with each player contributing key offensive rebounds that led to additional possessions and points.
Milan struggled to box out consistently in the fourth quarter, allowing Crvena Zvezda multiple opportunities to extend possessions and maintain their offensive rhythm during the critical closing minutes.
Looking Forward
This victory represents a statement win for Crvena Zvezda, demonstrating their ability to win on the road against quality opposition even when facing adversity. The fourth quarter comeback showcased the mental toughness and championship character that defines successful EuroLeague teams. For Milan, the collapse will require serious examination. Leading by eight points with ten minutes remaining should have been enough to secure a home victory, but defensive breakdowns and offensive stagnation allowed the game to slip away. The loss drops Milan to an inconsistent pattern of results that threatens their playoff positioning as the season progresses into its crucial second half.
Both teams will need to quickly process this result as the demanding EuroLeague schedule continues without mercy. For Crvena Zvezda, the confidence gained from this road triumph could prove pivotal in their campaign, while Milan must find answers to their fourth quarter struggles before their next challenge arrives.
