Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv ended its five-game losing streak with a 92-86 victory over EA7 Emporio Armani Milan on Thursday night at Menora Mivtachim Arena, strengthening its push for a top-six finish in the EuroLeague standings.
The Israeli side improved to 17-11 and remains fifth in the table, while the Italian club dropped to 14-15 and sits outside the playoff positions with nine rounds remaining in the regular season.
Elijah Bryant, who recently returned from injury, delivered a complete performance with 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting, adding eight assists and five rebounds in nearly 30 minutes. The 30-year-old guard set the tone early by scoring his team’s first five points as the hosts built a 29-19 lead after one quarter.
Olimpia Milano responded in the second period, trimming the deficit to 49-47 by halftime behind Zach LeDay and Josh Nebo, who combined for 40 points. LeDay finished with 22 points, while Nebo added 18 on a perfect 7-for-7 from two-point range.
Defense shifted the momentum after the break. Hapoel held the visitors to 17 points in the third quarter and limited clean perimeter looks, forcing tougher attempts late in the shot clock.
The home side shot 62.8 percent from two-point range and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc, numbers that reflected improved ball movement and spacing. Bryant’s ability to create off the dribble forced help defense, opening opportunities for teammates.
Vasilije Micic provided key secondary scoring with 18 points and tied his career high with nine rebounds, controlling the defensive glass against a Milan team that grabbed 36 total boards. Collin Malcolm added 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, contributing across multiple areas.
In the fourth quarter, Bryant scored nine of his team’s 19 points. His three-pointer with 2:18 remaining extended the margin to 88-77 and forced Milan into quick offensive possessions.
Next week, Hapoel hosts Paris Basketball before facing Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv in a derby with significant playoff implications. Milan returns home to take on FC Barcelona as it looks to re-enter the postseason race.
