Centurions Dominate Hawks 114-101 Behind Pavlov's Double-Double and Sterling Second Half Surge
Pavlov's All-Around Brilliance Leads Rome to Crucial Victory
By Michael Chen
ROME – The Rome Centurions extended their winning streak with a commanding 114-101 victory over the Milan Hawks on Sunday, a hard-fought contest that saw Rome pull away in the second half fueled by stellar offensive execution and relentless defense. Anton Pavlov was the catalyst, stuffing the stat sheet with a game-high double-double. This win is crucial for Rome as they solidify their playoff positioning in the Pro League.
The first half was a tight affair, with both teams trading blows. Milan’s Leo Braun was electric, dropping 23 points and keeping the Hawks within striking distance. Braun’s ability to create his own shot, including a crucial three-pointer that briefly tied the game at 45-45, kept the pressure on Rome. However, the Centurions found their rhythm as the second quarter wound down, with Maya Dubois and Owen Harper contributing key baskets. A three-pointer from Elian Foster just before halftime gave Rome a slim 56-52 lead heading into the break.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Rome’s defense intensified, forcing turnovers and limiting Milan’s scoring opportunities. Anton Pavlov was everywhere, grabbing rebounds and facilitating the offense. He finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor. Dubois continued her strong scoring, adding 21 points, while Harper chipped in with 14 points and 8 rebounds. “We locked in defensively after halftime,” said Centurions head coach Isabella Rossi. “That effort on the boards and timely shooting allowed us to build the lead.”
Milan fought valiantly, with Sofia Karlsson adding 12 points, but they couldn’t contain Rome’s balanced attack. The Centurions’ ball movement was exceptional, leading to 30 assists on 42 made field goals. “We played with great energy and shared the ball well,” Pavlov commented. “This was a big win for us.”
Key Notes
- Anton Pavlov recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
- Rome Centurions assisted on 30 of their 42 made field goals.
- Milan Hawks’ Leo Braun led all scorers with 23 points.
- The Centurions held a significant rebounding advantage, 51-44.
- Rome shot an efficient 46.7% from the field.