By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Facing elimination for a second straight game in Palasport Taliercio, Umana Reyer Venice used a 12-2 finishing sprint to edge out Virtus Segafredo Bologna, 84-78, and tied a best-of-five series at 2-2.
A clutch three-pointer to establish a safe distance in crunch time highlighted a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double for Mfiondu Kabengele, keeping his side in contention for a spot in the Semifinals of Italy’s LBA Playoff Unipol. Xavier Munford contributed 15 points, including four three-pointers, for the team guided by Neven Spahija. For Vu Nere, Mouhamet Diouf and Will Clyburn shared a team-high 17 points.
After a head injury in Game 3, Tornike Shengelia was ruled out. The 33-year-old Georgian forward is monitored by the medical staff and considered day-to-day. Head coach Dusko Ivanovic also missed Achille Polonara in Game 4 due to an illness. Both players are questionable to play in Game 5, which will be held in Virtus Segafredo Arena on Tuesday.
Fifth-seeded EA7 Emporio Armani Milan awaits the winner of the series. The opposite side of the bracket features second-seeded Trapani Shark and third-seeded Germani Brescia.
LBA Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best of five)
Virtus Segafredo Bologna – Umana Reyer Venice 2-2 (90-85, 77-75, 82-89, 78-84)
Dolomiti Energia Trento – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 1-3 (70-73, 70-67, 79-107, 82-89)
Germani Brescia – Trieste 3-1 (89-77, 92-103, 80-70, 92-88)
Trapani Shark – UnaHotels Reggio Emilia 3-0 (80-75, 102-88, 90-83)
Semifinals (best of five)
Virtus Segafredo Bologna / Umana Reyer Venice – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan
Trapani Shark – Germani Brescia
Finals (best of five)
Winners of Semifinals
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net