Umana moves on to Bologna with Tessitori in evidence and moves to -2 from Brescia and from the same V-Nere at the top, together with Olimpia, who closes the series of victories for the Reggio Emilia team at 6
The postponements of the 25th day shorten the Lba ranking among the top four even further: Venice beat Virtus Bologna 86-82 away with Tessitori in evidence (18 points), Milan recovered from the falls in Udine and Paris, putting an end to Reggio Emilia’s streak of 6 victories in a row, 80-76 thanks to a super Brooks (22 points). With 34 points each, Olimpia and Reyer are now only two points behind Brescia and V Nere, tied on 36 points.
MILAN-REGGIO EMILIA 80-76
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After the disappointments of Udine and Paris, Milan has the obligation to start again and tries to do so immediately, shooting 6/7 from 2 in the first quarter and moving the ball well, as demonstrated by the 7 assists in the 10th minute. Priftis’ men try, triggering Williams in the area, Severini on the perimeter and the pick and roll with Echenique, but suffer from the internal physicality of EA7 with Diop and Nebo and the triples from Guduric and Ricci. In the second quarter, Milan takes control of the match, thanks to the talent of Shields, who often combines with Nebo. The Reggio Emilia team, despite a solo from Rossato, first from the midfield and then from the arc and a 3-point play from Caupain, return to -5. Brooks and Shields give the home team the margin again and reach their maximum lead at +10 (44-34 at 20′). With an excellent start to the second half, Reggio Emilia put the match back in balance. Thor’s baskets in the area and Caupain bring UnaHotels closer, who also allow themselves the luxury of missing a comfortable shot from Rossato under the basket. Bolmaro and Ricci try to bring the momentum back into the hands of EA7, but the four-point game, a few seconds before the 30th minute, keeps the guests at -5. The guests continue to grind out the game and take the lead thanks to a 9-0 break, built with triples by Thor and a 3-point play by Williams (61-63). The match, in balance, is decided at the end. Brooks scores +5 from 6.75 (78-73 with 90” left). Barford scores -2 from the corner, Brooks and Mannion make mistakes near the rim, but, after a turnover by Severini, Ricci closes the discussion on the line.
Milan: Brooks 22, Ricci 14, Shields, Nebo 10.
Reggio Emilia: Thor 19, Caupain 13, Williams 12.
BOLOGNA-VENICE 82-86
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Venice sees the summit. The sixth consecutive away victory for Reyer is also the most prestigious, because it takes place at the home of league leaders Virtus Bologna. Thus the orogranata consolidate third place but above all now they dream of catching Brescia – who join the black V in the lead – next Saturday at Taliercio. Great game from Tessitori: 18 points, 13 rebounds, 8/8 shooting and 33 rating (season record) well assisted by Rj Cole who also had a double double (12 points and 14 assists, season high). The 7/7 from the foul line was decisive for coach Spahia’s men in the final minutes of a balanced match, essentially played point to point for the entire 40′ except for the two partials in the last quarter (63-63 after 30′). The first break belongs to Venezia, 11-1 at the start of the period and +9 maximum advantage. At 80-71 the Venetians twice wasted the triple of +12 and then against Olidata break 9-0 (4 by Niang) for parity. On a score of 80-80, foul by Edwards (6 lost) on a triple by Wiltjer who makes 3/3 from the line with 90” left. The American tries to make amends with his support on the glass at -1. More free throws on the other side, this time for Cole who makes 2/2, Edwards makes a mistake this time 37” from the siren, Wheatle takes the most important offensive rebound of his game after a mistake by Bowman and Virtus is forced to foul 6” from the end. Wiltjer returns to the line and is Bologna’s third knockout in a row (without Vildoza, out for 5 weeks, and Pajola) after the dismissal of coach Ivanovic and the promotion of his deputy, Jakovljevic.
Bologna: Morgan 23, Smailagic 15, Edwards 11.
Venice: Weavers 18, Parks 15, Wiltjer 14.
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