Pallacanestro Varese secured a solid 84-75 victory, a crucial win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Alviti was the standout performer, recording a valuable double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Stewart led the offense with 23 points. Iroegbu (19) and Nkamhoua (13) also delivered excellent performances, proving decisive at key moments of the game. This victory boosts confidence: next weekend, the red-and-whites will have a bye, before returning to the court on Sunday, May 10, at Virtus Bologna, with tip-off set for 5:00 p.m.
Pallacanestro Varese got off to a lively start, but it was Vanoli Cremona that struck first with Ndiaye. The red-and-whites responded immediately, finding their rhythm with Alviti, Renfro, and Iroegbu, building an early lead of up to +9 thanks in part to Nkamhoua’s three-pointer. The visitors, however, remained composed: Udom and Battle led the comeback, tying the score. In the closing moments, Vanoli took the lead with Udom, but Librizzi closed out the quarter, restoring the home team’s lead at 19-18.
Openjobmetis tried to pull away, but Cremona initially stayed in touch thanks to Willis and Anigbogu. After the score was tied at 26-26, the home team shifted gears: Stewart stepped up and led an important run, well supported by Alviti and Freeman. The red-and-whites’ defense intensifies and limits Vanoli’s scoring options, as they struggle to find consistency. Down the stretch, Iroegbu and Nkamhoua solidify the lead, sending Varese into halftime up 45-31.
Upon returning to the court, Varese seemed to have the game under control with a 16-point lead, thanks once again to Iroegbu, but the visitors fought back decisively. Willis and Durham led Vanoli’s comeback, mounting a strong run that cut the deficit to 6 points. Openjobmetis tried to slow the momentum with Nkamhoua and Stewart, but Cremona stayed in the game thanks to Udom and Battle. The quarter ended with Casarin bringing the visitors back to within 3 points (58-55), completely reopening the match.
The final quarter opens with Vanoli closing the gap to one possession, but Stewart takes center stage: first with a three-pointer, then with a dunk on the fast break that sends Masnago into a frenzy. Varese tried to pull away several times with Iroegbu and Nkamhoua, but Cremona answered blow for blow with Willis and Casarin. In the closing minutes, after yet another comeback attempt by the visitors that brought them within 4 points, the red-and-whites sealed the deal with cool-headed free throws, led by Iroegbu. Nkamhoua put the final nail in the coffin for an 84-75 victory.