Armani Olimpia Milan claimed its first EuroLeague win of the season in dramatic fashion, edging Virtus Bologna 87-85 on Tuesday as Devon Hall hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer at Unipol Forum.
The Italian derby delivered a thrilling back-and-forth contest after Milan built a 15-point advantage in the second quarter. Virtus repeatedly fought its way back, eventually turning the game into a one-possession battle in the closing minutes.
Milan led 47-41 at halftime after Virtus closed the second quarter with a 15-6 run. The visitors continued to apply pressure after the break, with Derrick Alston Jr. scoring six points during an 11-1 run that helped Virtus take control entering the fourth quarter.
Aliou Diarra then made his presence felt on defense, recording four blocks as Virtus made it difficult for Milan to attack the paint. Two consecutive three-pointers from Bobi Klintman and Marcus Carr put the visitors ahead 83-80 with 2:21 remaining.
Hall responded when Milan needed him most.
With Diarra off the floor, Hall attacked the basket for a layup before knocking down a step-back three-pointer to put Milan ahead 85-83. Diarra answered on the other end, converting an offensive rebound to tie the game and leave Milan with 4.2 seconds to find the decisive basket.
Hall received Leandro Bolmaro’s inbound pass, found his spot inside the arc and drilled a step-back jumper over Diarra’s outstretched arms as the buzzer sounded.
Hall finished with 12 points, including seven straight during Milan’s late surge. Marko Guduric led Milan with 14 points, while RJ Cole and Moses Wright each added 11.
Milan shot 52.3% from two-point range and 33.3% from three-point range, while collecting 43 rebounds and 12 assists.
Virtus received 15 points and seven rebounds from Diarra, while Wendell Moore scored 12 and Marcus Carr finished with 10 points and nine assists. The visitors shot 54.8% from two-point range and 33.3% from three.
The victory extended Milan’s winning streak against Virtus to eight consecutive meetings.
For Milan, the result was a strong response after opening the 2026-27 EuroLeague campaign with a 92-76 defeat at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. Virtus fell to 0-2 after also losing its season opener at Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul.
Milan will visit Kosner Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on Friday, while Virtus hosts Olympiacos Piraeus on Thursday.
