Pallacanestro Varese earned its second win in as many games at the Valtellina Summer League in Sondrio. Following yesterday’s victory over Trieste, the red-and-whites also defeated Cantù 89-68, wrapping up their weekend in Valtellina on a high note. It was another valuable test for Coach Kastritis’s team, which was able to get more minutes under their belts and continue working on their game mechanics and team chemistry ahead of the season opener. Beyond the result, the two games played in Sondrio represented an important step in the team’s development, offering positive signs and allowing for the distribution of playing time and responsibilities across the roster. Varese faced the derby against Cantù without Matteo Librizzi, William McDowell-White, and Isaiah Roby, yet still saw strong performances from the entire squad and provided ample playing time for the young players throughout the game. Amedeo Della Valle was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points and was voted MVP at the end of the match. Now the Red-and-Whites have another week of training ahead of their next preseason game: this weekend, Varese will compete in Matera at the Basilicata Trophy – Sport Invaders, which will also feature Napoli, Scafati, and BC Roma.
It was an evenly matched start, with Cantù immediately trying to pull ahead, led by Gravett, until the score reached 11-16, forcing Kastritis to call a timeout. Varese responded with a particularly inspired Della Valle, took the lead thanks to Ikangi, and closed out the first quarter at 25-23 thanks to a three-pointer by Della Valle himself. Varese got off to a good start in the second quarter with Nikolic and Hale and tried to build a small lead, but Cantù stayed close and even tied the score at 33-33. Down the stretch, the red-and-whites regained the lead with Nikolic, Della Valle, and Renfro, heading into halftime up 41-36.
Upon returning from the locker room, Varese picked up the pace: Renfro and Hale extended the lead to 47-36, before Cantù mounted a comeback that brought Acqua S.Bernardo within 3 points. Della Valle and, above all, Alviti thwarted the comeback attempt, allowing the red-and-whites to close out the quarter ahead 61-51. Cantù tried again to close the gap, but Varese shifted into high gear for good: Hale, Alviti, and Risi went on a run that extended the lead to +19. In the closing minutes, there was also playing time for the young players, with baskets by Kangur, Modanese, and Prato sealing the final score at 89-68.
Pallacanestro Openjobmetis Varese-Acqua S.Bernardo Cantù: 89-68 (25-23; 41-36; 61-51)
Pallacanestro Openjobmetis Varese: Alviti 13, Duke 4, Villa dnp, Della Valle 21, Nikolic 8, Hale 16, Librizzi dnp, Renfro 8, Kamagate, Kangur 2, Ladurner 1, Ikangi 4, Prato 4, Modanese 3, Risi 5, Basualdo. Coach: Giannis Kastritis.
Acqua S.Bernardo Cantù: Christon 2, Flagg 15, Gravett 12, Moraschini 3, Ventura 5, Miles 8, Molteni, Brown 6, Grazulis 15, Udom 2, Pavese dnp. Coach: Francesco Vitucci.