By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
They started like they were dancing on hot plates, and although they didn’t continue in the same rhythm (that would have been almost impossible) in the end Trento won the first Eurocup semifinal against Strasbourg 74 – 68 on the road. Now since the Italians’ Eurocup winning record at home in is 7-2 (with one defeat coming in a indifferent game), one can realize that they have a serious advantage ahead of the re-match.
As always, Trento’s frontline duo created a force to be reckoned. Julian Wright’s craftsmanship was beautifully beneficial in his team’s plans, since he finished the game with 16 points (3/3 three-pointers), 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Davide Pascolo added 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
Bangaly Fofana picked it up from where he left it in the second quarterfinal against Nizhny Novgorod, playing what might be his best game with Strasbourg so far, since he had 15 points and 10 rebounds, both career highs in Eurocup. He also was a nightmare to defend against especially after the pick n’ roll.
While Trento entered the match with the fury of a tornado, scoring 31 points and 6/6 three-pointers in the first quarter, Strasbourg was patient and effective enough to complete a counter attack that balanced the situation at halftime. The two teams returned from the locker rooms with the score 37 – 40 and once again, the guests gained an upper hand, making it a 10-point game in the beginning of the fourth period with Diego Flaccadori.
Although the French answered with a quick 5-0, their opponents managed to keep a steady lead thanks to their well calculated plays. The thing is that Strasbourg’s answer came with flawed offensive execution and many mistakes, whether they were actual turnovers or simply unorthodox shooting choices In the end, and with the score 68 – 70, their rushed actions gave Trento the chance to score four easy points, that might be proven crucial for the second semifinal ahead and the aggregate score between the two teams.