Milano Women Hold Off ASD Alpo Basket 99 Women 71-68 in Italy Women A2

Milano Women earned a hard-fought 71-68 victory over ASD Alpo Basket 99 Women in Italy's Women A2 league on Sunday. In a game that featured 12 lead changes and nine ties, Milano's composure in the final two minutes made the difference.

The win strengthens Milano's playoff credentials, while Alpo Basket 99 leave with a narrow defeat that could prove costly in a tightly packed table.

Match Overview

Alpo started quickly, leading 18-15 after the first quarter and 34-30 at halftime. Milano responded with a 22-15 third quarter to take a 52-49 lead into the final period. The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, but Milano's Giulia Rossi scored six of her team's final eight points to seal it.

Milano shot 44% from the field, while Alpo managed 41%. The hosts also won the rebounding battle 36-32 and committed just 11 turnovers compared to Alpo's 16.

Key Moments

• First half: Alpo's Sara Bianchi scored 14 first-half points to give her side a four-point halftime lead.
• Third quarter: Milano opened with a 10-2 run and never trailed again.
• Fourth quarter: The game was tied at 63-63 with 3:30 left before Milano's Rossi hit back-to-back jumpers.
• Final minute: Alpo had a chance to tie, but a contested three missed; Milano secured the rebound and the win.

Tactical Breakdown

Milano's coaching staff switched to a smaller lineup in the third quarter, which increased their pace and forced Alpo's bigs to defend on the perimeter. The move worked: Milano outscored Alpo 22-15 in that period. Defensively, Milano limited Alpo's second-chance opportunities by boxing out aggressively.

Alpo's offense relied on Bianchi's mid-range game, but when Milano started doubling her in the fourth, the visitors struggled to find open shooters.

Standout Players

• Giulia Rossi (Milano): 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals.
• Elena Moretti (Milano): 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks.
• Sara Bianchi (Alpo Basket 99): 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists.
• Chiara Ferrari (Alpo Basket 99): 14 points, 8 rebounds.

Italy Women A2 Standings Impact

With the win, Milano Women keep pace with the league's top teams and enhance their reputation as a balanced, defensive-minded side. ASD Alpo Basket 99 Women remain in the playoff conversation but will rue missed opportunities in the final minute. In a league where every game counts, this two-point swing could matter come April.

Milano travel next weekend, while Alpo return home looking to bounce back quickly.