By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Reyer Venezia responds in time at home and eliminates Virtus Bologna after a surprising victory (90-83) that closes the series 3-1. The Euroleague team is eliminated and will not play the final against Olimpia Milano, who qualified after beating Brescia 3-1.
After a 33-14 run in the final quarter, Virtus is eliminated on the road in the semifinals. Saliou Niang’s 19 points and Carsen Edwards’ 17 were not enough to prevent Bologna’s defeat, which means they are out of the playoffs.
Although Reyer Venezia started strong in the first quarter, Virtus played great basketball for several minutes to take the lead before the break (37-42).
Edwards and Niang led the way in the second half, with Venezia struggling on defense and Virtus doing damage near the basket. Venezia rallied in the final minutes to complete the comeback (33-14 in the last quarter) and qualify for the Legabasket final (90-83), eliminating Virtus Bologna.
There they will face Olimpia Milano, who eliminated Brescia 3-1 and will play them for the Italian league title.
Legabasket Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best-of-five)
- Virtus Bologna 3-2 Dolomiti Energia Trentino (102-71, 84-87, 85-102, 90-81, 106-95)
- Reyer Venezia 3-2 Dertona Basket (89-82, 87-75, 71-82, 71-89, 89-83)
- Brescia 3-2 Pallacanestro Trieste (90-92, 90-82, 84-80, 77-83, 90-75)
- Emporio Armani Milano 3-0 Reggio Emilia (96-84, 77-65, 84-72)
Semifinals (best-of-five)
- Virtus Bologna 1-3 Reyer Venezia (83-91, 98-79, 85-89, 90-83)
- Brescia 1-3 Emporio Armani Milano (72-88, 85-79, 68-93, 91-86)
Finals (best-of-five)
- Emporio Armani Milano – Reyer Venezia
Make