ITA - Virtus survive tough night, win Coppa clash against Varese

BOLOGNA (Coppa Italia) - Virtus Bologna had four players score 12 points and the team overcame a bad night at the free throw line en route to a 69-62 victory over Whirlpool Varese in the Coppa Italia.

Zare Markovski's Virtus are hosting the event at their Pala Malaguti and the home fans saw them prevail despite shooting just 56% (nine of 16) at the stripe.

Varese, who qualified for the Coppa with their recent regular-season win at home over the Bologna team, were even worse at the line, making 10 of 19 (53%).

"We have suffered against Varese, but I think in the end we deserved the win," said Markovski to PA Sport.

Varese worked hard and hauled in 35 rebounds to 25 for Virtus, who are one of the leading teams in the EuroCup.

"We do have the pressure as the host team, but even more pressure to win tonight because just 10 days ago, we lost against them so my players had extra motivation," Markovski said.

"We hope to go all the way, but we know it's going to be difficult. At least today, we've taken the first step."

Italian international Andrea Michelori, who missed the early part of the season through injury, along with Brett Blizzard, Vlado Ilievski and Dusan Vukcevic, all had 12 points.

Varese's Delonte Holland led all scorers with 13 points.

The visitors were impressive early and led 20-19 when Gabriel Fernandez made a three-pointer.

Andrea Michelori scored immediately after for Virtus and they led for the remainder of the game.

Virtus will now play in the semi-finals against Armani Jeans Milano, who won 74-70 against Premiata Montegranaro in Thursday's first game.

Cindy Garcia-Bennett
Bologna, FIBA