Euroleague, Valencia-EA7 84-88 and Virtus Bologna-Partizan 79-88

Marco Taminelli and Andrea Tosi

March 7th
– Milan

Victory in the sprint for EA7 who comes back, passes to Fontenta in Valencia and continues the hunt for the playoffs, 84-88. Another very convincing choral performance by the Italian champions but Napier is the star of the evening, the impact of Ricci, Baron and Pangos is also important. Di Melli the decisive paw with the attack rebound that extinguishes the Iberian recovery, the flames of Harper and Jones are not enough for the Spaniards.

THE RACE

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Better Valencia at the start that benefits from the verve of Chris Jones, the ex Asvel’s basket of 5-2. Milan struggles to find offensive harmonies, there is already room for the returning Shields, Melli avoids the escape of the hosts who, however, reach up to 9 with Webb’s triples, 14-5. Hines plays the charge for EA7 who is now more effective in the offensive phase, calls from Napier and Baron that animate the red and white comeback, 17-14. First bang also for Pangos at the end of the first quarter with the guests at minus 4, 21-17. Iberian blaze at the opening of the second period, Rivero and Prepelic launch Mombrù’s men to the maximum advantage, 28-17. Olimpia doesn’t get upset and returns to attack with patience, it’s an inspired Pangos who takes the lead, Napier brings the match back to just one possession, 28-26. Jones tries to relaunch Valencia but Milan is always ready to react, Melli and an excellent Ricci hurt the Taronja defense from distance, 42-39 in the middle of the match.

After the long break, EA7 gives the idea of ​​being able to slyly place the paw to definitively change the inertia of the match. Ricci and Napier pick up where they left off at the end of the first half, still the former Virtus Bologna for the paw that is worth the plus 6, 45-51. Shaken, the hosts rely on the inspiration of Jones and some good play by Puerto but Milan is still leading the dance, the red and white amusement park is always on, after Napier Voigtmann also signs up, 49-59. The third quarter is a Milanese show, Baron plays his part by sealing the good escape, 53-65. Few ideas for coach Mumbru’s men who shoot blanks from distance, Tonut’s performance is also solid, doing a great job on both sides of the field, 59-70. Harper tries the last assault by bringing Valencia up to minus 4, with lucidity the Italian champions repel the hosts, Pangos’ torpedo is fundamental, 68-75. Valencia doesn’t give up, Puerto and Jones still have energy to attempt a desperate recovery, on minus 2 Napier hits the second free, Melli does the masterpiece with the attacking rebound that allows the former Blazers to seal the match from the line charity, 84-88.

VALENCIA: Jones 19, Harper and Puerto 15

EA7 MILAN: Napier 28, Pangos 13, Ricci 12

VIRTUS BOLOGNA-PARTIZAN 79-88

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Partizan takes on the challenge between great coaches, Sergio Scariolo with his 4 European titles and the guru of gurus Zelimir Obradovic, 9 Euroleagues to his credit. A battle between two clubs that have made history for trophies and champions who have worn both shirts, one of all Sasha Danilovic, hero of Bologna and Belgrade, acclaimed in the parterre by opposing fans. Bologna thus leaves, in its Segafredo Arena, the last remaining hopes of hooking up to the playoffs. The arithmetic grants her the benefit of not being out of the race yet but this knockout is very heavy. Teodosic lights the three-point fuse but it is Partizan who spring forward, stretching their hands on Virtus’ forcing. It’s the former Italians Nunnally, Punter and LeDay who are making the big voice for the +7 outside (9-16) but Bologna doesn’t get upset, with the changes it feeds the attack. Ojeleye and Jaiteh, after a couple of serious mistakes, are ready for Teodosic’s discharges. First quarter up 26-28, high score. Belinelli enters but is hunted down by a pack of opposing defenders, for him Obradovic arranges for the systematic change of his entire quintet. Beli doesn’t shoot but works for others. Especially for Pajola who overtakes from three (29-29) at the start of the second quarter. The all-defense point guard bakes 7 very hot points, imitated by Abass who dunks and scores from three. With the second lines, Virtus escapes on 44-36 while Teodosic is already at 7 assists. At the break it’s 47-45 Virtus with Beli who has zero shots and zero points in 5′ of the field, limited by two early fouls. They burn the 9 turnovers. Upon returning to the field, Partizan is still more reactive: 0-7 partial for the counter pass with Smailagic who eats Jaiteh. So Belgrade stays ahead of a couple of possessions, Virtus fails all the assaults for the draw. Exum the Australian who jumps like a kangaroo becomes a rebus for Hackett who pays his dues with fouls. Beli returns on 27′ at -4 and magically the V finally impacts and overtakes with two free throws by Bako 63-61. Beli misses 4 shots to get into the rhythm It’s tough, at the third buzzer Partizan is still ahead 63-65. Last quarter with Exum dominating above the iron with terrifying dunks, Beli is unable to affect so Partizan extends to 55-65 but Bologna does not give up. Back to -3 but continues to produce turnovers, 20 at the end which are the sentence of a bitter defeat.

VIRTUS BOLOGNA: Jaiteh 14, Mickey 13, Ojeleye 13

PARTIZAN: Punter 17, Exum 17, Nunnally 16