Bertram reacts and beats Venezia Tonut (30 points) is not enough for Reyer

CASALE MONFERRATO

Bertram Tortona is there and draws the playoff quarter-final series, winning the first historic victory in the post season. Thanks to a third quarter of quality, the Lions fold the Umana Reyer Venezia. After a very balanced first period, Reyer begins to struggle in attack, suffering the zone defense of the Piedmontese, who find important points and plays from Mascolo, as well as capturing 5 precious rebounds in attack.

But the team of coach Ramondino is unable to escape because it messes under the basket, losing 5 balls and there is some forcing too much, in particular by Macura. Venice remains dry for more than 3 ‘, so the bombs of Daum and Sanders launch the hosts on +9 (28-19). The Venetians remain attached to the match thanks to Watt and the usual Tonut, going to the long interval below 5 points. The start of the third quarter is favorable to Bertram who touches the double-digit advantage, thanks to a defense good at opening and closing when needed, forcing Reyer to force her conclusions or to commit a 24 ”infraction. The game increases in intensity because the teams score much better: Sanders’ bomb makes the Lions escape up to +18 (54-36), making the whole PalaFerraris audience jump on their feet. The inertia of the challenge is now on the side of the Piedmontese, who in the final period control, without allowing the lagoons to go back under, despite a monstrous performance by Stefano Tonut, who closes with 30 points. Now the series moves to Mestre: tomorrow and Saturday, at 20. Tortona will have to try to win at least one of the two away games to return to having the home factor in his favor.

Play off. Quarter finals. Race 1: Brescia-Sassari 104-97. Race 2: Tortona-Venice, Virtus Bologna-Pesaro, Milan-Reggio Emilia last night. Today: Brescia-Sassari (8.30 pm). –

FRANCO SCABROSETTI