By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Italian official Manuel Mazzoni stars in the latest installment of mic’d up moments presented by the Basketball Champions League.
Mazzoni, 44, was in charge of the referee crew in the rescheduled Round of 16 Group I Gameday 2 matchup pitting MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg against Galatasaray Nef at MHP Arena Monday night.
His communicative approach was launched from the opening tip-off as he asked the players contesting in the jump ball to ‘stay relaxed’.
Throughout the 45 minutes, Mazzoni was determined to explain decisions to the players and head coaches of both sides and discuss a potential upcoming play with his fellow referees. Beyond that point, he was also pretty clear whenever he considered any conversation over.
He is not an exception compared to most Champions League referees looking to be in touch with players and head coaches, thus maintaining order in the games.
This matchup in particular spilling into overtime generated five extra minutes for everyone involved, including Mazzoni and the remaining officials. The crew made it through a very important game for both teams unfazed by multiple close calls and ultimately succeeded in enforcing the rules.
Ludwigsburg outlasted the Turkish outfit. However, both sides suffered a loss a couple of days after their meeting in Germany. The home loss to Hapoel U-NET Holon cost John Patrick’s team the chance to clinch a berth in the Quarterfinals with one game in hand, while Galata was knocked out of contention after failing to get the job done versus JDA Dijon in France.