Zvezda’s Italian Job: Red-Whites Stun Milan with Historic Fourth-Quarter Surge

MILAN, Italy – In a performance that will be remembered as one of the most clinical comebacks in the club’s recent EuroLeague history, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet orchestrated a masterclass in resilience on Thursday night, defeating EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 104–96.

Entering the final ten minutes trailing by 12 points and appearing physically spent, the “Red-Whites” flipped the script with a blistering 34–14 fourth-quarter run that left the Italian crowd at the Allianz Cloud in stunned silence.

The Turning Point: A 34-Point Storm

For three quarters, Milan controlled the tempo, led by Shavon Shields, who finished with 22 points. Zvezda struggled to contain the hosts’ perimeter shooting, entering the final frame with a daunting deficit. However, the momentum shifted instantly in the fourth quarter behind a relentless full-court press and elite shot-making.

• Clinical Execution: Zvezda shot with surgical precision in the final period, transitioning from a 12-point underdog to an 8-point victor in a matter of minutes.

• Defensive Lock: After conceding 82 points in the first 30 minutes, Zvezda’s defense held Milan to just 14 points in the final quarter.

Standout Performers

The victory was a collective effort, but several key figures stood out in the statistical sheet:

• Jordan Nwora: The forward continued his red-hot form, leading all Zvezda scorers with 22 points.

• Jared Butler & Chima Moneke: The duo acted as the engine of the comeback, contributing 18 points each. Butler’s poise in the final minutes proved decisive under pressure.

• Codi Miller-McIntyre: The floor general flirted with history, nearly recording a triple-double with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, dictating the pace during the crucial 16-0 run.

• Nikola Kalinić: Provided the veteran leadership and defensive grit required to weather Milan’s early dominance.

Playoff Hopes Reignited

This victory carries massive implications for the EuroLeague standings. By improving to a 12–10 record, Crvena Zvezda has propelled themselves back into the thick of the postseason race, currently sitting in 10th place.

The win is particularly sweet given the recent distractions surrounding the club, including minor EuroLeague disciplinary sanctions related to fan conduct in previous rounds.

What’s Next for the Red-Whites?

The basketball team has little time to celebrate; they travel to Zadar today, January 17, for a high-stakes ABA League matchup as they chase the top spot in Group B.

Meanwhile, the football wing of the club is also active, finalizing winter preparations under Dejan Stanković following a recent test against RB Salzburg. All eyes are now on January 22, when the football squad faces Malmö FF in a critical Europa League clash.

“We stayed together when it looked impossible,” said coach Ioannis Sfairopoulos post-match. “This team has a heart that never stops beating.”