Verona interrupts the victorious series of Dinamo, 87-74
Without Jones and Kruslin and with Robinson halved, the Sassari team collapses in the final
Sassari's series of successes stops at seven. After leading for three quarters, he crashes in the last 4 minutes, earning a break of 13-2 which determines the final: 87-74.
Victory that leaves Bucchi's team in fourth place. The absences of the winger Jones and above all of the winger Kruslin were too heavy, all the more so with a Robinson who is back but not at his best and confusing: 6 turnovers.
The record
Dowe and Bendzius attack the match, Raspino's triple completes the first advantage of three baskets; 4-11 at 4'. Verona tries to make up for it (14-16 with Casarin) but the fresh forces are good for Banco which with Diop and Bendzius closes the fraction at +11.
The quintet with four Italians and Robinson struggles at the beginning of the second quarter and suffers the triples from Bortolani: 25-27 in the 14th minute. Coach Bucchi even changes four making Chessa make his debut in the match, but by now Anderson too has warmed up and his bomb gives the equalizer: 35-35 in the 17th minute.
In the third quarter an inspired Raspino like never before in attack (7 points) gives the +7 on 24'. Robinson commits a couple of forcings, Diop also bungles and Tezenis gets closer: 55-56 in the 28th minute. Dowe does another magic and puts more space between the two teams, but with the miserable 3/14 from three, the advantage remains minimal: 60-63.
Two turnovers at the opening of the last quarter cost the overtaking: Anderson on the counterattack for 64-63. Robinson's slalom interrupts the offensive fast after three and a half minutes, but Verona gets excited and sprints, with Banco suddenly giving up and suffering an important partial that closes the match.
The tables
Tezenis Verona : Cappelletti 10, Simon 12, Casarin 9, Johnson 11, Bortolani 14, Rosselli, Anderson 16, Udom, Sanders, Smith 4, Pini 1, Davis 10. All. Ramagli.
Banco di Sardegna Sassari : Pisano ne, Robinson 11, Dowe 18, Gandini ne, Devecchi, Treier, Chessa 5, Stephens 6, Bendzius 9, Gentile 4, Raspino 8, Diop 13. All. Bucchi.
