ITA – Third Coppa Italia on the trot for Mens Sana

TURIN (Coppa Italia) - Montepaschi Siena crowned themselves Coppa Italia champions for a third year running on Sunday after seeing of the challenge of Bennet Cantú.
 
Simone Pianigiani, who is at the helm of Italy's national side, coached Montepaschi to a 79-72 triumph.
 
Lithuania international Ksistof Lavrinovic finished with 21 points for Mens Sana and was named MVP of the event.
 
Montepaschi had claimed an 81-68 triumph over Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro in the quarter-finals before overcoming Fabi Shoes Montegranaro 80-67 in the last four.
 
Cantú provided their toughest test.
 
Twice Andrea Trinchieri's team closed the gap to just three points in the fourth quarter, including 68-65 with less than four minutes to go on a basket by former Italy center Denis Marconato.
 
Lavrinovic answered with a basket and then Greece international Nikos Zisis buried a three before Rimantas Kaukenas added a bucket for a 75-65 Mens Sana advantage.
 
Cantú got no closer than seven points the rest of the way.
 
Trinchieri's men had rolled to an 86-57 win over Angelico Biella in their quarter-final before thrashing Air Avellino 82-65 to reach the final.
 
Montepaschi will now resume their quest for a place in the Euroleague quarter-finals.
 
They go into this week’s game at home to Partizan Belgrade (0-3) with one win and two defeats in Group G and trail Real Madrid (3-0) and Efes Pilsen (2-1).
 
FIBA