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.
