Brescia ends the year in the best possible way, with a show of strength that is worth much more than the two points in the standings. Germani Brescia beat Umana Reyer Venezia 104-93 in the big match of the day and strengthened their candidacy at the top of the championship, bringing their record to an eloquent 11-2.
The match
In front of the PalaLeonessa crowd, the white and blue team immediately showed personality and quality, pushing hard between the first and second quarters. What makes the difference is above all Rivers’s exceptional precision from the arc, combined with the silent but decisive work of the Burnell–Bilan axis in the paint. Brescia takes control of the match and flies to +20 (51-31), giving the impression of being able to escape definitively.
Reyer, however, is not a team that gives up. Venezia reacts with pride and talent, finding the ideal attacking midfielder in Wiltjer and returning to the game with a counterattack that completely reopens the game before the long break (57-54). It is the most delicate moment of the race, the one in which clarity is needed. And Germani responds presently.
In the second half Brescia regains fluidity and rhythm. Rivers continues to be a devastating factor, while Ivanovic takes charge with intelligence and courage, alternating personal solutions with the involvement of his teammates. Ndour brings energy, rebounds and defensive presence, allowing the blue and white to repel any attempt at a orograna comeback.
The decisive blow comes in the last half: a clear 10-0 partial score by Brescia restores the safe distance between the two teams and extinguishes the remaining Venetian hopes. From then on, Brescia managed with maturity, relying on the solidity of the collective and the coolness in key moments.
The numbers certify a complete performance: 22 points from Rivers with 6/8 from three, 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for a dominant Bilan, 16 points and 8 assists for Ivanovic, in addition to the precious contributions of Ndour and Burnell. In Venice, an extraordinary performance by Wiltjer, author of 34 points, was not enough to avoid defeat.
It is a significant victory, in terms of ranking and awareness. Brescia not only wins, but convinces: the game is there, the group responds and PalaLeonessa continues to be a stronghold. The message to the championship is clear: Germani is ready to play a leading role all the way.
Gli highlights
The scoreboard
GERMANI BRESCIA 104
UMANA REYER VENICE 93
PARTIALS (25-18;29-24;21-31;29-20)
GERMANI BRESCIA: Ivanovic 16, Della Valle 2, Rivers 22, Ndour 14, Bilan 21, Burnell 13, Mobio 9, Massinburg 7, Cournooh, Doneda none, Ferrero none, Santinon none. Coach: Matteo Cotelli.
UMANA REYER VENEZIA: Cole 10, Bowman 4, Wheatle 16, Wiltjer 34, Horton 4, Lever 12, Tessitori 7, Nikolic 4, Candi 2, Valentine, De Nicolao, Janelidze ne. Coach: Neven Spahija.
REFEREES: Attard, Pepponi, Capotorto.
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