Reyer Venezia resists, delays Olimpia Milano's championship win

Reyer Venezia staged a strong comeback to defeat Olimpia Milano 109-97 in Game 3 of the Italian league finals on Tuesday, postponing Milano's championship celebrations. Despite the loss, Olimpia Milano maintains a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

Olimpia Milano, who finished third in the regular season, reached the finals after defeating Brescia. Reyer Venezia, the fourth seed, upset league leaders Virtus Bologna in the semifinals, marking one of the season's surprises.

Milano, a participant in the EuroLeague and coached by Peppe Poeta, had aimed to secure the title on Tuesday after winning the first two games at home. However, a decisive third quarter, which Venezia dominated 36-19, shifted the momentum. Milano managed only one two-point field goal during this crucial period.

American forward Jordan Parks was the standout player for Reyer Venezia, scoring 22 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists. The series now returns to Venezia's Palasport Taliercio for Game 4. A victory for Venezia would even the series at 2-2, while another win for Olimpia Milano would clinch the league championship.