By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
BOLOGNA, Italy – After losing an intense Italian derby in Milano, part of a tough schedule which saw Virtus Bologna win EuroLeague tough games against Barcelona, Maccabi, and Baskonia, Luca Banchi’s team suffered another domestic league defeat against Reyer Venice, which had the upper hand 85-84 in overtime.
Rayjon Tucker was on fire tonight on Virtus Bologna’s home court, as the 26-year-old former Utah Jazz and Philadelphia 76ers player had 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Kyle Wiltjer, announced by Neven Spahija’s team after Bruno Caboclo headed to Partizan Belgrade, added 14 points and 5 rebounds, giving his team the victory with a two-pointer at 14″ left.
Marco Belinelli, who was his team’s highest scorer in the away EuroLeague victory against the Basque side, repeated himself with 24 points against Reyer. Seeing only slumps of his job on the court, Tornike Shengelia had another complete performance, pushing Virtus with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Alessandro Pajola had a losing effort of 13 points, 5 steals, and 8 assists.
Reyer Venezia started the game hot, even getting an early 13-point lead (23-10). However, despite several shooting mistakes by Luca Banchi’s team, Virtus Bologna managed to come back in contention before halftime within five points (40-35). The hosts bounced back with a three-pointer from by Awudu Abass, who tied things up at 59-59 with another clutch shot in the last minute before the fourth.
In the fourth quarter, however, Reyer Venice separated itself once again, extending the lead to nine points (70-61) at 7:29 on the clock. From then on, Neven Spahija’s team seemed to never lose control of the encounter, but after six consecutive points by Marco Belinelli, Virtus Bologna reduced the deficit all the way to one point (79-78) with 1:06 minutes to go. Tying at 80-80, Tornike Shengelia pushed it to overtime, where Virtus Bologna found the first lead of the game, but Reyer ultimately got the win.
Brescia keeps on winning and stays on top
Without the BKT EuroCup duty and at twelve games into the start of this year’s Italian league, Germani Brescia has established itself enough as a basically unstoppable dark horse in the LBA. Alessandro Magro’s team won the fourth straight game, beating Reggio Emilia 77-70 on the road.
Miro Bilan was the absolute protagonist of his team’s victory, leading it with 24 points (11/14 from two), 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks. CJ Massinburg, who dished the Croatian center the ball for the decisive basket in the end, had another all-around night of 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
On the other end, three players ended the game in double-digits. Briante Weber was the one giving his best effort to keep Reggio Emilia alive, bringing home 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Kevin Hervey added 17 points and 5 rebounds in Dimitris Priftis’ team’s loss.
LBA Round 12 Results:
UNAHOTELS Reggio Emilia – Germani Brescia 70-77
Virtus Segafredo Bologna – Umana Reyer Venezia 84-85 OT
NutriBullet Treviso – Dolomiti Energia Trentino (17/12 at 16:30 CET)
Vanoli Cremona – Bertram Yachts Derthona Tortona (17/12 at 17:00 CET)
Openjobmetis Varese – EA7 Emporio Armani Milano (17/12 at 17:30 CET)
Givova Scafati Basket – GeVi Napoli (17/12 at 18:15 CET)
Estra Pistoia – Carpegna Prosciutto Pesaro (17/12 at 19:00 CET)
Banco di Sardegna Dinamo Sassari – Happy Casa Brindisi (17/12 at 20:00 CET)
STANDINGS: Brescia 10-2, Venice 9-3, Virtus 8-4, Trento 7-3, Reggio Emilia 7-4, Napoli 7-4…
PHOTO CREDIT: Umana Reyer Venice