ITA - Montepaschi grab share of top spot

MILAN (Lega A) - Montepaschi Siena took a share of the lead of Italy’s Lega A by beating third-placed Armani Jeans Milano on Sunday afternoon.

The Tuscany team join VidiVici Bologna, who beat Angelico Biella 89-63 on Saturday, on top of the division with an 11-3 record.

Siena were quickly out of the blocks, establishing an 8-0 and then a 14-6 lead but Milano finished the first quarter strongly to level the game at 19-19.

Milano impressed in the second period and went on an 11-0 run which ensured they were 41-36 up at halfway. Siena trimmed that lead to three points at the end of the third quarter.

However, the crucial period of play came in the final quarter when Siena posted seven unanswered points to take the lead at 65-60 and they successfully defended it.

Joseph Forte was top scorer for the victors with 22 points while Romain Sato was immense with 14 points and nine boards. Eze Benjamin added 12 and Rimantas Kaukenas contributed 10.

For Milano, Nate Green poured in 17 points while Joseph Blair managed a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kiwane Garris contributed 11 points while Travis Watson had 11 boards to add to his nine points.

Milano slip to 9-5 with this defeat.

Premiata Montegranaro are up to fourth following an 86-77 victory against Upea Capo d'Orlando - Jobey Thomas pouring in 21 points.

Montegranaro have an 8-6 record alongside Whirlpool Varese, 90-69 winners against Lottomatica Roma, and Eldo Napoli, who lost 97-80 to Snaidero Cucine Udine.

Elsewhere, Legea Scafati won 83-79 at TDShop.it Livorno, Climamio Bologna edged out Benetton Treviso 76-74 and Air Avellino were beaten 74-73 by Pallacanestro Cantu.

PA Sport