Umana Reyer Venice came back from 14 points down but lost its preseason opener with an 81-78 overtime defeat against AX Armani Exchange Milan Friday night at the traditional City of Cagliari tournament. Michael Bramos tallied 18 points and Stefano Tonut added 16 points for Reyer, but they were not enough as Kevin Punter poured in 19 points for the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague side Milan.

Neither team could gain a real advantage in the first quarter, which was even 15-15 after 10 minutes. Reyer struggled to slow down Milan in the second quarter, giving up 25 points and falling behind 40-31 at halftime. Reyer watched Milan increase the advantage to 45-31 before Tonut sparked the team back into the game. The deficit was only 55-49 after 30 minutes. Reyer continued its comeback early in the third quarter and evened the contest 62-62 - taking the lead shortly thereafter. Two free throws from Sergio Rodriguez put Milan ahead 70-67 with just over a minute to play in regulation, but Bramos nailed a three-pointer with 7 seconds left to knot the game 72-72 and send it to overtime. Milan was able to pull ahead 79-74 and then Punter's two free throws with 56 seconds remaining made it 81-76. Reyer talent Davide Casarin missed two free throws and an open layup on a single possession and Valerio Mazzloa's three-point attempt at the buzzer was off target as Reyer lost the game.