ITA - Siena hold off Cantù for fifth title in a row

SIENA (Lega A) - Montepaschi Siena beat Bennet Cantù 63-61 on Sunday to wrap up the Italian play-off finals 4-1 and win their fifth domestic league titles in a row.

Siena became the first team to take the domestic championship in five consecutive seasons since Borletti Milano accomplished the feat from 1949 to 1954.

“Honestly, back in October, I couldn't imagine such a successful season," said Montepaschi head coach Simone Pianigiani after his team completed the Italian triple crown for the third consecutive season.

"With a brand new team we won the Italian title, the Italian Cup and the Supercup, and we reached Euroleague's Final Four. It was our best season."

The moment was that much more special for Pianigiani who has been at the helm for all five league titles.

Bo McCalebb was named MVP of the series - his second MVP trophy of the season after taking the honour in the Supercup last October. The 1.83m point guard averaged 14.6 points in the finals.

"It was not an individual matter. The main target was winning the title and keeping Siena's streak alive," he said.

This was the second triple crown for McCalebb who accomplished a different kind with Partizan Belgrade last season, winning the Adriatic League, the Serbian domestic title and the Serbian Cup.

Siena won 4-1 the series against Bennet Cantù, and closed with a 63-61 win in game5, when Bennet had the chance to win the game (but Markoishvili's three-pointer was long) almost at the buzzer.

In Game 5 though, another point guard was the hero for Siena.

Greece international Nikos Zisis, with his newborn child Aleksandros in attendance, hit two three-pointers in the final frame and knocked down four free-throws to secure the win. He finished with 12 points.

"We knew the series wasn't over after our road win in Game 4," he said.

"Cantù confirmed itself as a fabulous opponent, but we definitely deserved this title.”

Siena captain Shaun Stonerook singled out this title because the team featured six new players this season - McCalebb, guards Marko Jaric and Pietro Aradori, forwards Malik Hairston and David Moss and big men Milovan Rakovic and Andrea Michelori.

“A win is always a great moment, but this time I feel even better," he said.

Only Stonerook and Marco Carraretto have been part of the Montepaschi team that won all five titles.

Afterwards, Montepaschi celebrated with their fans in Piazza del Campo – theatre of the historical “Palio di Siena”.

"I'm tired, but at the same time I'm very happy," said Pianigiani, who will now turn his attention to the Italian national team and preparing for EuroBasket in Lithuania.

"I asked the players to avoid comparisons with the past seasons. They showed sacrifice on defense, our offense was never selfish, and we tried to solve all problems together. Those were our secrets."

Cantù did have something to celebrate as defeats by Khimki and Galatasaray in the Russian and Turkish finals respectively meant Bennet would be included in the Euroleague's main bracket for next season.

FIBA