The Milan Big Reds pounded the Airport Jets in the regular season finale 67-44 Thursday night. Milan finished 14-6 on the season, 11-3 in the Huron League.
The Big Reds got off to a quick start, with Jiles Neely hitting an opening three pointer to start the scoring. Milan quickly pulled out to a 15 to 2 lead. Airport fought back and scored 13 unanswered points to finish the period knotted up at 15.
Milan’s defense saw them through a rough shooting patch in the second period. They played a full-court press and forced Airport to turn the ball over or take tough, contested shots. The Big Reds went in at half up 37-28.
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“The second quarter is when we didn’t shoot well, and that’s when we had our slump. It was one pass and a shot. We were very frustrated as a staff that we took so many quick jump shots,” said head coach Josh Tropea.
The third period is where Milan truly shined Thursday night. They allowed only seven points defensively while putting up 17 on the Jets. The period was capped off by an offensive rebound and put-back layup by Steven Price.
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The fourth quarter continued much the same as the third. Milan outscored Airport 13 to 9 in the period, and Tropea used the lead to get some of his bench more game time experience. Airport had foul trouble most of the second half and Milan was in the bonus early in the fourth quarter. The Big Reds went 15-of-23 from the charity stripe.
Milan was led offensively by CJ Turnage, who had 20 points and went 4-for-5 from the free throw line. Andre Duffin added 14 points for the Big Reds.
“[Turnage} was incredible in the first quarter. He feels healthy and feels more like himself. That’s the CJ we need [in districts]. He’s our version of Scottie Pippin,” said Tropea.
Milan plays the Onsted Wildcats on Monday in the district tournament. The game starts at 7:30 pm and is at Onsted.