By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
The most dramatic game, however, was played between Umana Reyer Venezia and Banvit in Italy. Both teams gave all they had and the result was a triple overtime basketball marathon. In the end, the home team took the 108-101 win.
“The triple-overtime game was insane. So many crazy situations. So many terrible mistakes by both teams. Banvit always puts together a good team and this year they are strong again. But in the end, it’s just which team will make more plays to win and we did that. I’m proud of our team”, the star of Venezia’s win, Marquez Haynes, said to Eurohoops.
The American combo guard was the best player of the game, finishing the night with 22 points and dishing 6 assists. Most importantly he sent the game into overtime with an amazing buzzer beater.
Playing 55 minutes game is not something you can see every day and Marquez knows that: “It was definitely one of the craziest games I have ever experienced in my career”. It’s the second season for Haynes in Venezia and also the second season in the Basketball Champions League. And he is more than happy about it: “Basketball Champions League is a great league and we just want to build on the success we had from before. Last year we made it to the final 4. Champions League is stronger this year than it was last year but our team is stronger also. So hopefully we can win the whole thing. Championships are the reason we play so that is 100% the goal”.
“The ultimate goal is to be the last team standing”
Haynes doesn’t hide Venezia’s ambitions: “The ultimate goal in the tournament is to be the last team standing. But right now we are very far from that. It’s such a long journey to the Championship title and it is extremely important that you don’t skip steps. So the goal, for now, is just to become a real team. Know each other and develop the best chemistry as possible. The most talented team rarely wins… The team that is most together usually wins. So that’s our goal.”
Marquez started his European career in France as the member of Elan Chalon back in the 2010-2011 season. He had a difficult time adjusting to their culture and food. “I was having a lot of stomach aches,” Haynes said. “The doctors told me it’s really common. I just have to get used to different ingredients and stuff like that.”
Luckily for him, Italy suits him much better as this is his fourth season in that country. “It’s been so long since I had French food. I had a hard time adjusting to the food when I came to Europe. But I have to say that Italian food is amazing. The risotto here changed my life… I love Italy. It’s like a second home for me. I have played for some of the best teams here Siena, Milan, Sassari. And now Venice, where I can truly say, has become my home. From bringing the championship home last season and building a strong relationship with the fans and the city. I love it here!”
Next Tuesday Venezia will host Greek team AEK in Italy. Hopefully, that game will be dramatic as the one with Banvit. And we already know Marquez Haynes will be ready for it.