With the clear victory (108-61) over Trento, Virtus Bologna closes the Serie A regular season in first place thanks to the difference in goals in the direct comparison with Milan which remains second despite the photo finish victory (72-73) on the pitch Cremona with a triple from Melli. Unwatchable game for the Eagles, buried by 48 points thanks to a fairytale second quarter from the Vu Nere (34-13). In Cremona Olimpia was led by Mirotic (25) and Shields (15) who made the efforts of the home team in vain as they finished with 5 players in double figures (McCullough 16).
Reggio Emilia loses but still finishes fifth
Behind Brescia and Venezia, who confirm themselves as the other top seeds who will have the advantage of home advantage in the quarter-finals, Reggio Emilia maintains fifth position which, despite being defeated (95-63) in Sassari (McKinnie 22, Gombauld (12 points and 10 rebounds), finished ahead of Trento and Pistoia, outclassed at home (78-96) by Varese. Amazing Davide Moretti (30 points with 6/9 from 3), excellent in the guest ranks, Mcdermott (21) and Mannion ( 18). Brescia overwhelmed Brindisi (94-75) who resisted until the 30th minute and then fell apart under the blows of Della Valle (18) and Akele (16).
Treviso saves, Pesaro relegates to A2
Tortona, already sure of eighth place by virtue of the favorable direct clashes with its rivals, lost 87-74 to Treviso which thus achieved the objective of salvation at the expense of Pesaro which, with the knockout (91-79) in Venice goes to keep Brindisi company in Serie A2. Devastating Orogranata returning from the long break (35-11) with Simms (21) ruthless and Kabengele (10 points and 12 rebounds) with a double double. The wonder trio of Mcduffie (21), Wright-Foreman (20) and Bluiett (19) exceeded 60 points but was not enough for Pesaro to avoid relegation. Finally, a platonic success (102-92) for Napoli in the derby with Scafati. The playoffs will begin on Saturday 11 May.
30th DAY RESULTS
Virtus Bologna – Trento 108-61
Brescia – Brindisi 94-75
Venice – Pesaro 91-79
Sassari – Reggio Emilia 95-63
Cremona – Milan 72-73
Treviso – Derthona Tortona 87-74
Napoli – Scafati 102-92
Pistoia – Varese 78-96
CLASSIFICATION: Virtus Bologna, Milan 44 points; Brescia 42; Venice 38; Reggio Emilia 32; Pistoia, Trento 30; Tortona, Naples, Sassari 28; Cremona, Scafati, Treviso, Varese 24; Pesaro, Brindisi 20.
Verdicts: Pesaro and Brindisi relegated to Serie A2
PLAY-OFF GRID
Virtus Bologna – Derthona Tortona (11/05)
Venice – Reggio Emilia (11/05)
Milan – Trento (12/05)
Brescia – Pistoia (12/05)
