ITA - Montepaschi knock out Coppa holders Eldo Napoli in Bologna

BOLOGNA (Coppa Italia) - Italian Lega A leaders Montepaschi Siena brought an early end to the Coppa Italia defence of holders Eldo Napoli on Friday at Bologna's Pala Malaguti.

Joe Forte led a balanced scoring attack with 18 points as the Tuscan team prevailed, 86-69.

Montepaschi established control in the first five minutes, storming to a 12-2 lead, and then used that advantage as a launchpad for victory.

Simone Pianigiani's men enjoyed their biggest lead at 19-6 late in the first quarter and though Napoli chipped away and closed to 45-42 with after a Tyrone Ellis three-pointer and an Ansu Sesay basket, they would get no closer.

Forte, who shot to fame in America at the University of North Carolina several years ago, replied with a three to take the lead to 48-42 and Montepaschi maintained a comfortable lead the rest of the way.

"I am very satisfied with the great approach to the game that my team has had," said Pianigiani, who took the reins from Carlo Recalcati after the veteran coach's decision to focus only on the Italian national team.

"We have attacked well and we have resisted when they attempted to get back in the game.

"We've controlled the game from start to finish and it was our mental strength that was the key to overcome their athleticism and their aggressiveness."

The three-point shot was a big weapon for the winners, who sank 10 of 20 (50%) for the game.

Romain Sato made a pair of shots from the arc and and finished with 15 points and five rebounds, while Lonny Baxter scored 13 and grabbed seven boards.

Terrell McIntyre converted three of his five shots from the arc and finished with 11 points, while Rimantas Kaukenas scored nine.

Montepaschi star Forte was smiling as he exited the changing room.

"I'm really happy with my performance tonight," he said to PA Sport. "It was a tough game but we are here to win the cup.

"It's been a shocking. I didn't expect to do so well, and for the team to do so well."

When asked what the key to Montepaschi's season has been so far, Forte replied: "It's been beautiful. No one expected Pianigiani to do so well so early on, but the way he interacts with players is what works well for us."

Napoli's Italian international Mason Rocca scored a game-high 21 points in defeat.

From Cindy Garcia-Bennett, Bologna
FIBA