By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After leading from start to finish and on a 12-point cushion early in the fourth quarter, Openjobmetis Varese survived at the buzzer and defeated EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, 94-92, in Itelyum Arena on Sunday.
With Jaron Johnson setting his season-high at 24 points, a third win for Varese in a quest to move away from the relegation zone of Italy’s LBA UnipolSai. Olimpia Milan was forced down to 6-5 with a third straight loss in the Regular Season of the domestic league.
With Josh Nebo on the injury list, Ettore Messina opted to rest Nikola Mirotic. Giordano Bortolani and Fabien Causeur were also left out of the lineup. Standing out in a narrow loss, Zach LeDay posted a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double. Armoni Brooks shared a team-high 19 points with 5/5 field goals.
A home loss for fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague outfit Virtus Segafredo Bologna with Trieste prevailing, 78-70, in Segafredo Arena. Experienced stars Marco Belinelli and Tornike Shengelia were ruled out of the Round 11 affair.
Colbey Ross netted a game-high 19 points, including five makes from beyond the arc. Jeff Brooks added 12 points and eight rebounds for the team coached by Jamion Christian. On the losing end, Ante Zizic stood out with 16 points.
Packing a career-high 30 points, Amar Alibegovic paved the way for Trapani Shark in a home win, 107-99, against previously undefeated Dolomiti Energia Trento. Up to 9-2, the distance from the top spot was reduced to one game.
LBA Round 11
Bertram Derthona Tortona – Umana Reyer Venice 89-82
Givova Scafati – Estra Pistoia 107-102 2OT (92-92, 83-83)
Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari – UnaHotels Reggio Emilia 72-79
NutriBullet Treviso – Vanoli Cremona 87-84
Openjobmetis Varese – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 94-92
Trapani Shark – Dolomiti Energia Trento 107-99
Virtus Segafredo Bologna – Trieste 70-78
Germani Brescia – Napoli 97-84
STANDINGS: Dolomiti Energia Trento 20 (10-1), Trapani Shark 18 (9-2), Germani Brescia 18 (9-2), UnaHotels Reggio Emilia 16 (8-3), Virtus Segafredo Bologna 16 (8-3)…