ITA - Lang, Virtus take down Roma in Lega A showdown

ROME (Lega A) - Kris Lang poured in 25 points for undefeated VidiVici Bologna as the Italian giants won at Lottomatica Roma to remain unbeaten in Lega A.

Lang was nine of 15 from the floor and seven of eight from the line, and he also scored the basket that put his team in front to stay just over six minutes into the second half.

Roma’s Loukas Mavrokefalidis had tied the contest at 45-45, but Lang replied immediately and Virtus led the rest of the way.

Winning coach Zare Markovski said: "We deserved this victory. We dominated in the rebounds, but what has really pleased me was the team performance.
Each player has been important and has contributed to this victory."

Virtus were 18 of 35 (51.4%) inside the arc and five of 16 (31.3%) from three-point range. Markovski’s men out-rebounded Roma 36-30.

Next up for Virtus, who are one of the favourites to win the EuroCup this season, is the Bologna derby against Climamio (Fortitudo).

"The derby is a special game,” Markovski said. “It makes no difference who is better. We are nevertheless convinced that we can play against Fortitudo and if we play with the sort of intensity we showed against Roma, anything can happen."

As for Lang, who is turning into a dominating player, Markovski said: "He is a giant. He has done everything and the team has followed him."

Another key player for Virtus thus far this season has been Guilherme Giovannoni.

The Brazilian international, who had nine points, said: "We are delighted with this victory that allows us to be at the top of the standings, and unbeaten in the league. We are a hard-working team and we fight until the end.

"We work very hard during the week and at the weekend we get our reward. There could be no better situation for us than this one to prepare for the derby."

The same can be said for Fortitudo, who won for the second time in four games with a 90-77 triumph over Livorno.

They stormed out to a 28-15 lead by the end of the first quarter and cruised thereafter.

Marco Belinelli and Tyus Edney each had 17 points in the win.

The post-Carlo Recalcati era at Montepaschi Siena is going well.

Mens Sana, now led by former Recalcati assistant Simone Pianigiani, edged Eldo Napoli 80-77 for their four successive win.

Rimantas Kaukenas had 19 points and another former Tar Heel, Joe Forte, weighed in with 18 for Siena.

Armani Jeans Milano were knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten, losing 76-63 at newly-promoted Premiata Montegranaro.

Bipop Carire Reggio Emilia romped past Angelico Biella, 85-71.

Whirlpool Varese thrashed Air Avellino 88-68.

Siviglia Wear Teramo lost at home, 86-80 to Upea Capo d'Orlando.

Pallacanestro Cantu overpowered Snaidero Udine, 75-60.

Defending champions Benetton Treviso also won their second game on the bounce, beating Italy’s other newcomers Legea Scafati.

David Blatt’s team won 88-77 on the road with Italy international Marco Mordente scoring 14 points to lead the way.

From Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA Sport, Rome