EA7 Emporio Armani Milan boosted its EuroLeague postseason hopes with an 85-79 home win over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Thursday, January 30, at Allianz Cloud.
The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Italian side and lifted it to 12-13, keeping it within reach of the play-in positions as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Zach LeDay played a central role against his former club, finishing with 20 points and four rebounds in a game that demanded composure down the stretch.
The American forward scored seven of his points in the closing minutes, providing separation when the margin narrowed to a single possession.
Milan led throughout the contest, but the visitors refused to fade and relied on defensive pressure to stay within striking distance.
The hosts carried a 52-43 advantage into halftime, though Partizan tightened its rotations and limited clean looks in the third quarter.
That defensive stand brought the Serbian side closer, before Milan answered with four consecutive three-pointers to restore control and build a 69-57 cushion entering the final period.
Partizan made one last push and cut the gap to 71-68, but foul trouble in the backcourt, including Cam Payne carrying four fouls since the second quarter, limited its options late.
Josh Nebo added 15 points for Milan, capitalizing on repeated pick-and-roll actions and finishes at the rim off Marko Guduric passes.
Quinn Ellis recorded 11 points and five rebounds, stepping into a larger role following Leandro Bolmaro’s elbow injury, as Milan posted 18 assists against eight turnovers.
Sterling Brown led Partizan with 17 points, while Payne added 16 and Dylan Osetkowski finished with 14 in a balanced offensive effort.
Tonye Jekiri contributed 12 points and six rebounds, while Bruno Fernando was limited to three points and was ejected late in the third quarter.
Partizan fell to 8-17, though head coach Joan Penarroya pointed to the team’s defensive response after halftime.
Milan hosts Baskonia next Tuesday, while Partizan travels to face Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv on the same night.
