Olimpia Wins the Championship, Triumph in Venice. Poeta in Tears, Message to Ettore Messina

Olimpia Milano is the Italian champion for the 32nd time in its history. The Milan-based team defeated Reyer Venezia 72-86 at the Taliercio in Game 3 of the LBA Finals, closing out the series 3-1 and winning its seventh championship of the Armani era. After a closely contested first half, the Scarpette Rosse pulled away in the third quarter thanks to an excellent defensive performance, then confidently controlled the final stretch of the game.

For Olimpia, series MVP Armoni Brooks and Guduric stood out above all others with 15 points each; Shields (12) and Nebo (10) also scored in double figures. For Reyer, strong performances by Cole (17 points) and Tessitori (15 points and 10 rebounds) weren’t enough.

With this victory, Milan completes the treble after winning the Super Cup and the Italian Cup. “It’s incredible, it’s amazing—if this is a dream, wake me up. I’ll be forever grateful to these guys,” said an emotional Coach Peppe Poeta after the game. “Being part of the first treble in Olimpia Milano’s history is a great source of satisfaction, which I share with Ettore Messina, who built the team and won the Super Cup.”

“I’ll be forever grateful to him, as well as to the ownership—Baiesi, Christos—and my staff. I’m the happiest person in the world,” were the words spoken after the final buzzer.