Openjobmetis Varese’s season ends with a loss against the top of the class, but also with the knowledge that they fought all the way for a playoff spot. The red-and-whites had the merit of clinging to the game despite the hosts’ talent and depth, finding in Nkamhoua, Iroegbu and Librizzi continuous points of reference. The regret remains huge, because the playoffs really escaped by details after a chase built with character and pride. In a complicated season, Varese was able to pick itself up again and again, showing identity and heart even in the most difficult moments. The bitterness in the mouth is inevitable, but the feeling that this team has left something in the hearts of all of us also remains.
Virtus got off to a strong start, opening with initiatives from Vildoza and Niang immediately flying to a 5-0 lead. Varese tries to stay in the slipstream with Renfro, Nkamhoua and Alviti, but the bianconeri find offensive continuity thanks to Ferrari and Diouf. The guests stay in touch until 14-13, dragged mainly by Nkamhoua and Assui. In the final, however, Bologna changes gears: Hackett, Pajola and Alston sign the decisive break that closes the quarter on 27-17 for the hosts.
Openjobmetis tries to react with Librizzi and Nkamhoua, but Virtus continues to control the pace thanks to Alston’s energy and Pajola and Yago’s accelerations. The Bianconeri even touch +17 on 40-23, showing great offensive fluidity. At the end of the half, however, Varese reared its head again with Alviti’s triples and Iroegbu’s plays, coming back up to -6. Bologna still managed to close ahead at halftime on 49-38 thanks to Edwards’ last flare-up.
The guests come back better from the locker room and with a super Nkamhoua immediately shorten to 49-43. Virtus, however, does not lose lucidity: Edwards, Diouf and Jallow answer blow by blow, while Hackett signs a heavy 71-57 triple that forces Kastritis to timeout. However, Varese continues to struggle with Iroegbu, Stewart and again Nkamhoua, the absolute protagonist of the red and white offensive period. In the final Diarra allows the hosts to keep a reassuring margin at 78-69.
In the last period Bologna manages with authority the accumulated lead, pushed by the plays of Alston, Pajola and Jallow. Varese still tries to come back with Iroegbu, Librizzi and Nkamhoua, but the Bianconeri defense holds up well and prevents the guests from really reopening the game. Virtus gradually stretches beyond twenty points thanks in part to baskets by Diarra, Ferrari and Yago to the final 104-85.