ITA - Benetton win again, in fine fettle ahead of Eurocup Finals

TREVISO (Lega A) - Benetton Treviso look to be peaking at the right time ahead of the Eurocup Finals they will host next weekend.

Jasmin Repesa's team won 90-78 at home on Saturday over Dinamo Sassari to climb into fifth place in Lega A with 13 wins and 12 defeats.

The Palaverde outfit stormed into a 52-35 half-time advantage and maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way as they tasted victory for the fourth straight time in Lega A.

Devin Smith had 21 points and Lithuania national team hopeful Donatas Motiejunas added 20 for Benetton, who go up against Cajasol Sevilla on Saturday in the Eurocup semi-finals.

Treviso are hoping to clinch a Lega A play-off spot soon but Repesa's focus is now on Saturday.

"The only thing that interests us now is Seville," he said.

"On Monday we will start with the preparations.

"The enemy is dangerous, plays well with a nice system.

"It has a strong bench.

"We must be aware that we can do it."

Benetton faced Cajasol Sevilla twice already this season in Eurocup Last 16, losing in Spain 66-55 but then winning in Italy, 84-68.

"We know the opponents very well," Repesa said.

"We have crossed them twice this year and will prepare well for the game on Saturday.

"It will be great to play with our fans."

Elsewhere in Lega A, leaders Montepaschi Siena won for the 21st time in 23 games, prevailing 72-66 at Scavolini Pesaro.

Benett Cantu are 19-6 after a 73-71 victory at last-place Enel Brindisi.

Third-place Armani Jeans Milano kept pace with Cantu by winning at home over Virtus Bologna, 71-64.

Virtus are now seventh in the table.

Fifth-place Air Avellino lost 89-78 at Vanoli-Braga Cremona.

They are among five sides with 12-13 records so their play-off position is anything but secure.

Varese are sixth after an 81-76 setback at second-bottom Banca Tercas Teramo (8-17), who needed the victory in their fight against relegation.

Pepsi Caserta are eighth following a 77-70 home triumph over Fabi Shoes Montegranaro (10-15).

Lottomatica Roma are the last of the 12-13 teams and in ninth place after an 85-78 home win over third-bottom Angelico Biella (9-16).

FIBA