Montepaschi Wins in Avellino

SIDIGAS AVELLINO-MONTEPASCHI SIENA 75-85  (25-19; 46-39; 60-51)

SIDIGAS AVELLINO: Thomas 12, Biligha, Lakovic 3, Richardson 8, Spinelli 8, Ivanov 19, Dragovic ne, Morgillo ne, Cavaliero 14, Haynes 11, Dean ne, Ianuale ne. Cch. Vitucci

MONTEPASCHI SIENA: Viggiano 12, Hunter 16 ,Cournooh, Rochestie 6, Carter 11, Ress 10, Ortner, Nelson, Udom ne, Hackett 26, Green 4. Cch. Crespi

Montepaschi conquers PalaDelMauro in Avellino by a score of 75-85 at the end of a game their opponents led for long stretches but that they took control of through the leadership of Daniel Hackett.

It’s immediately 11-0 for Avellino, then Montepaschi get a triple from Viggiano after 3’ in. Scandone responds in kind with a shot from the arc. Ress adds two point from underneath then Hunter lands one long distance (14-7 after 4’). Ivanov widens the gap for Avellino but Hackett brings Siena up to trail by 7. Scandone keeps control as the green-and-whites try to bridge the gap (19-13 at 2’14”) and close out the quarter down by 6,  25-19, thanks to an alley oop from Hackett to Viggiano.  

Montepaschi ties up at the start of the second quarter (25-25). Cavaliero puts his team back ahead, but Hunter ties it again. It’s back and forth between the two teams as Siena jumps ahead 32-35 at mid quarter. Avellino gets ahead, but Hunter gives his team a 1 point lead. With 2’25”, the two teams are tied again (39-39), then the home team gets up by 7 with Haynes’ free throws and a basket from Ivanov. The two teams head into the half 46-39.

Sidigas gets up by 9 at the start of the third. Siena trails by 5 after two plays from Carter and green. Avellino maintains the lead and even gets up by 13 (58-46). Montepaschi tries to narrow the gap and ends third quarter down by 0 (60-51).

Siena tries to gain ground (-6 after 2’, 64-58). Cavaliero triples then Hackett strikes. The Tuscans have 7 points to recover at mid quarter (69-62). Danny Boy’s triple rekindles hope for Mens Sana and Carter’s three gives Montepaschi the lead (72-74). Hunter put his team up by 4, and Ress scores from the arc for a 7 point lead (75-79) with 1’ left. Lakovic narrows the gap for Avellino, but Hackett and Hunter put an exclamation point on the game, which end 75-85 in favour of Montepaschi.

Montepaschi Wins in Avellino