EA7 Emporio Armani Milan Defeats Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv 96-87 in Hard-Fought EuroLeague Battle

Milan Claims Crucial Home Victory in Round 31

EA7 Emporio Armani Milan secured an important 96-87 victory over Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv at the Allianz Cloud on March 13, 2026, in Round 31 of EuroLeague action. The home side demonstrated resilience and depth throughout the contest, building a nine-point advantage by the final buzzer in front of their passionate supporters.

The victory continues Milan's strong form at home, where they have proven to be a formidable opponent this season. Coming off an impressive win against FC Barcelona just days earlier, the Italian squad maintained their momentum against a determined Maccabi side that entered the match riding high on confidence from recent road success.

First Half Sets the Tone

The opening quarter proved to be a closely contested affair, with both teams trading baskets in an entertaining display of offensive basketball. Shavon Shields opened the scoring for Milan with a three-pointer, setting an aggressive tone early. Maccabi responded through Lonnie Walker IV, who connected from beyond the arc to level the proceedings.

The first ten minutes saw Jimmy Clark III make significant contributions for the visitors, scoring nine points including two three-pointers. His hot shooting kept Maccabi competitive as Milan worked to establish their rhythm. The quarter ended with the visitors holding a slim 26-25 advantage, suggesting a tight battle ahead.

Milan seized control in the second quarter, outscoring Maccabi 28-16 to take a commanding 53-42 lead into halftime. Gur Lavi emerged as the catalyst for the home team's surge, scoring eleven points in the period with perfect shooting efficiency. His ability to score from mid-range and create opportunities proved problematic for the Maccabi defense.

The second quarter also featured strong contributions from Zach Leday and Josh Nebo for Milan. Nebo's presence in the paint was particularly impactful, as he grabbed rebounds and finished around the basket with authority. Meanwhile, Leandro Bolmaro provided energy off the bench, contributing on both ends of the floor.

Maccabi Fights Back in Third Quarter

The Israeli club refused to surrender without a fight, mounting a spirited comeback in the third period. Roman Sorkin became increasingly involved in Maccabi's offensive schemes, using his size advantage to score inside and facilitate for teammates. His eight points in the quarter helped keep the visitors within striking distance.

Walker continued his aggressive approach, attacking the basket and drawing fouls while also connecting from three-point range. His versatility created problems for Milan's defenders, who struggled at times to contain his penetration. O'Shae J Brissett also made his presence felt for the visitors, crashing the offensive glass and providing second-chance opportunities.

Milan maintained their composure despite Maccabi's push, with Shields hitting crucial three-pointers to stem any momentum shifts. The home side's defensive intensity increased as the quarter progressed, forcing turnovers and converting them into transition opportunities. The third quarter ended with Milan holding a 74-67 advantage, keeping Maccabi at arm's length.

Fourth Quarter Execution Seals Victory

The final period saw Milan demonstrate championship-level execution when it mattered most. Nebo continued his dominant performance in the paint, finishing with nineteen points and ten rebounds for an impressive double-double. His ability to finish through contact and convert free throws proved crucial down the stretch.

Marko Guduric orchestrated Milan's offense beautifully in the closing stages, recording eight assists for the game while also contributing eleven points. His court vision and decision-making helped Milan find high-percentage scoring opportunities when Maccabi pressed defensively.

Maccabi mounted one final surge, with Shields heating up from three-point range. The Danish guard scored seventeen points on the night, including five three-pointers, keeping the visitors' hopes alive. However, Milan's Quinn Ellis delivered clutch free throw shooting in the final minute, converting six of six from the charity stripe to ice the game.

The closing moments featured excellent defensive possessions from Milan, who limited Maccabi's clean looks at the basket. Walker's late three-point attempts failed to connect, and Milan secured defensive rebounds to maintain possession and run down the clock.

Statistical Standouts and Key Performances

Nebo's double-double of nineteen points and ten rebounds on efficient 7-of-12 shooting headlined Milan's statistical achievements. He also added five blocked shots and demonstrated his value as a rim protector. His plus-minus rating reflected his overall impact on the game's outcome.

For Maccabi, Lavi provided a perfect shooting performance, connecting on all seven of his field goal attempts to finish with fifteen points. His efficiency kept the visitors competitive, though ultimately insufficient to overcome Milan's balanced attack. Walker's sixteen points came on 4-of-17 shooting, highlighting the difficulty Milan's defense presented.

The rebounding battle proved crucial, with Milan holding a slight advantage on the glass. Brissett's twelve rebounds led all players, showcasing his relentless effort on the boards. Milan's ability to limit Maccabi to one shot per possession in critical moments proved decisive.

Free throw shooting also played a significant role in the outcome. Milan converted 33 of 40 attempts from the line, while Maccabi managed just 21 of 27. This twelve-point differential from the charity stripe essentially matched the final margin of victory.

Tactical Adjustments and Coaching Decisions

Milan's coaching staff made several key adjustments throughout the game that impacted the result. The decision to utilize Guduric as the primary facilitator in crucial stretches allowed Milan to maintain offensive flow and exploit mismatches. His ability to find Nebo and Leday in advantageous positions created consistent scoring opportunities.

Maccabi's attempts to implement full-court pressure and trap situations yielded mixed results. While they forced some turnovers, Milan's experienced ball-handlers generally navigated the pressure effectively. The visitors' defensive strategy of switching on screens occasionally left them vulnerable to offensive rebounds.

The use of timeouts proved strategic for both teams, with coaches calling them at opportune moments to stem runs or set up crucial plays. Milan's ability to execute out of timeout situations, particularly in the fourth quarter, demonstrated their preparation and discipline.

Looking Ahead

This victory improves Milan's position in the EuroLeague standings as the regular season enters its final stages. Their home court advantage has been a significant factor in their success, and this performance reinforced their credentials as a difficult opponent at the Allianz Cloud. The team's ability to win in different styles—whether through offensive firepower or defensive grind—bodes well for playoff aspirations.

For Maccabi, the loss represents a setback in their campaign, though their competitive spirit remained evident throughout. The team showed character in fighting back from double-digit deficits, suggesting resilience that could serve them well in upcoming contests. However, improving shooting efficiency and limiting opponent second-chance opportunities must become priorities.

Both teams will look to build on aspects of this performance while addressing areas needing improvement. Milan's depth and balanced scoring provide multiple options for success, while Maccabi's reliance on individual brilliance must evolve into more consistent team execution. The EuroLeague season continues to intensify as teams jockey for playoff positioning.