Unahotels-Venezia 87-92: Reyer is stronger. Reggio fights but must surrender

Reggio Emilia, March 23, 2025 – A spirited and courageous Reggio tries until the end to get the better of a Reyer that, at this moment, is probably the team that is most in form in the championship. However, in the end, the victory smiles on the Venetians, more concrete and solid over the 40 minutes, despite Unahotels always remaining in contact and even putting their nose ahead several times. A great Winston, constant throughout the contest, was unfortunately not enough. Above all because in the offensive phase only Faye supported him with the right continuity. Even if Cheatham's precious flashes gave a hand to the cause. To top it all off, the red and whites were not even able to save the basket difference and this, in view of climbing to the playoffs, is another bad blow.

Reyer shows its well-known power at the start, with the physicality of Kabengele and the creativity of Ennis, for a dry 4-11 that forces Priftis to take an immediate time-out. From which the red and whites do not come out particularly transformed, continuing to suffer. The entry of fresh forces however allows Unahotels to hold out better, in particular with Faye who takes the measure of Kabengele. However, Reggio's difficulties remain in other sectors and so the lagoon team has the opportunity to close the first period with a double-digit margin. In the second period Venice continues to hammer from long range (62,5% in the phase) while Priftis' troops in the same fundamental do not even push (1/11) so the orogranata reach +16: 17-33. Winston takes the team on his shoulders and scores something like eleven points in a handful of minutes. However, when the defense and some valuable initiatives from their teammates come to their aid, the home team manages to get closer to -3. A margin with which they reach the long interval. Upon returning to the parquet, two consecutive "bombs" by a lively Cheatham allow Unahotels to also put their nose ahead (53-52). A blaze, but of high emotional value. However, from a technical point of view, the inertia remains in the hands of Reyer who makes hay in the barn and puts aside a loot oscillating between 6 and 9 points. And it is at -6 that Reggio reveals itself in the final fraction. The red and whites open the quarter with an imperious 7-0, returning to lead, albeit by a hair's breadth. At 6' the match is still balanced: 80-83; with Pallacanestro Reggiana already having to do without Faried, burdened with 5 fouls, and Faye on the bench with four penalties. Prfitis is thus forced to launch light quintets, and workers, that allow his team to stay afloat but certainly not to be able to take the reins of the contest. With tooth and nail Unahotels remains attached to the match even when Mcgruder from 3 signs the +5 with 50 seconds to go. However, when Winston's attempted triple with 12 seconds to go dies on the rim, the games for the victory are over. And even Cheatham's shot at the buzzer that could have saved the basket difference has no outcome.

The little table

UNAHOTELS: Barford 10, Winston 30, Faye 11, Smith 2, Uglietti 9, Vitali 3, Faried 6, Grant, Chillo, Cheatham 16. Ne: Gallo and Fainke. Coach: Priftis. UMANA: Mcgruder 20, Casarin 3, Moretti 1, Ennis 15, Kabengele 17, Parks 9, Wheatle 6, Simms 7, Wiltjer 10, Tessitori 4. Ne: Fernandez and Janelidze. Coach: Spahija Referees: Tolga Sahin, Andrea Bongiorni, Simone Patti Partials: 15-25, 45-48, 66-72, Notes: spectators: 3884; 3-pointers: Unahotels 10/35, Umana 10/21; free throws: Reggio Emilia 13/21, Venezia 18/27. Out for 5 fouls: Faried