Bologna team
30/10/2006
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ITA - Virtus are best in Bologna derby showdown

BOLOGNA (Lega A) - EuroCup side VidiVici Bologna are alone at the top of Italy as Lega A’s only unbeaten side after edging the city derby against Climamio.

Travis Best finished with 17 points to lead all scorers while Italian national team point guard Fabio Di Bella weighed in with 10 as Virtus won 64-60.

Virtus were in Italy’s second division just two years ago.

"It's a great joy to give our fans some joy after four years of suffering," said Virtus’ winning coach Zare Markovski.

"(But) to be top of the standings is not enough for us. We have won five games, now we want to win our sixth."

Markovski was full of praise for Best, the veteran from America who has given a spark to the backcourt.

"Travis Best was perfect," he said. "He takes command of the team on the court when we are in need without me having to ask him."

Vidivici owner Claudio Sabatini could not have asked for a better present on his 47th birthday.

"I am really delighted," he said. "I thought at one point we would lose as we gave several turnovers away but in the end, we won because we have a group of 12 players.

"Markovski is our number one. He has the courage to take his ideas forward.

"Perhaps we haven't seen a great game but our fans have seen the spirit of this Vidivici Bologna."

Armani Jeans Milano fell to Snaidero Cucine Udine 92-90 for their second defeat on the trot as Mario Gigena missed a potential game-tying shot at the end.

A pair of free throws by Kristaps Valters put Snaidero in front in final minute.

Larry O’Bannon poured in 23 points for the winners to lead all scorers.

Surprising Upea Capo d'Orlando got 28 points from Jayson Wells and defeated TDShop.it Livorno 76-69 for their fourth win in five games.

Marcus Goree scored 19 points as reigning Italian champions Benetton Treviso pulled away for a 70-61 win over Premiata Montegranaro for their third victory on the trot.

Lottomatica Roma are up to seventh in the standings after claiming their third win, 86-64 over Bipop Carire Reggio Emilia.

Angelico Biella didn’t play well in front of their home fans as Siviglia Wear Teramo romped to an 84-64 triumph.

Anthony Grundy’s 27 points for Teramo were a game high.

In other game on Sunday, Legea Scafati won at home, 89-74 over Pallacanestro Cantu.

In Saturday’s action, Montepaschi Siena lost 74-64 at Whirlpool Varese and Eldo Napoli put away a determined Air Avellino, 87-80.

By PA Sport