Pallacanestro Varese earned its first victory in the Valtellina Summer League, defeating Trieste 104-65 at the PalaScieghi in Sondrio. Without Matteo Librizzi and Isaiah Roby, the red-and-whites gave plenty of playing time to their young players and were able to count on the season debuts of Amedeo Della Valle and David Duke Jr. Varese will take the court again tomorrow, once again at the PalaScieghi in Sondrio, to face Cantù at 6:00 p.m.
It was a back-and-forth start, with Trieste answering Nikolic and Hale’s baskets blow for blow. Down the stretch, Varese picked up the pace and, thanks to Ikangi and Della Valle, went into halftime leading 24-16. Varese took control of the game with consistent offense and solid defense. Duke and Della Valle led the way for the red-and-whites, who extended their lead to 57-34 by halftime.
Kastritis’s team continued to push, scoring mainly through Nikolic and Hale. The young players also got plenty of playing time, performing well and helping to extend the lead to 80-47. In the final quarter, Varese controlled the game with ease and continued to pull away. Prato and Ladurner stood out, playing key roles in the closing minutes that led the Red-and-Whites to a 104-65 victory.
PALLACANESTRO OPENJOBMETIS VARESE-PALLACANESTRO TRIESTE: 104-65 (24-16; 57-34; 80-47)
Pallacanestro Openjobmetis Varese: Alviti 3, Duke 5, McDowell-White, Della Valle 14, Nikolic 12, Hale 12, Renfro 6, Kamagate 6, Kangur 6, Ladurner 11, Ikangi 11, Prato 11, Risi 7. Coach: Giannis Kastritis.
Pallacanestro Trieste: Falcomer, Ross 22, Cossutta 6, Facchin 3, Canka (did not play), Deangeli 3, Ruzzier 6, Martucci, Bregant 7, Paiano 2, Norbedo 2, McDermott 14. Coach: Francesco Taccetti.