Champions League, pride of Treviso Basket: drag Tofas Bursa to overtime, the Turks win 82-80

Nutribullet touches the feat in Turkey with a very tough test: Imbrò fails the triple from the meta

BURSA (Turkey) – Positive shock had to be and positive shock it was. To be picky, only the victory is missing but for once it is an irrelevant detail for the result, albeit with the regret of not having caught the first success in the second phase of Bcl.

The second Turkish away game of the season gives Nutribullet breath, hopes and good feelings back, which touches the coup in the home of the record holder of group J and who, perhaps, also finds herself after the recent difficulties. Surely on a mental level it is a more square Treviso, more determined, more bad in defense: it cannot be a coincidence if this metamorphosis occurs not so much due to the absence of Russell – the play should return to the squad after the hollow suffered in Brescia for the ‘advance on Saturday at Palaverde against Trento – but rather for the change of hierarchy between centers.

Yes, to positively determine the progress of the match for TvB is the much criticized Aaron Jones who takes the starting five and is appreciated with thick plays in the defensive half, including three crucial blocks in the most complex moments. To make room for him is Henry Sims, who plays just 13 minutes with the usual amnesia and very little offensive substance to mask them. It is perhaps early to issue a verdict but it is possible that coach Menetti, whose game is historically based on changes of markings and great attention to his own half, may have found a balance with the former Merlins to preside over the painted.

To benefit from a revised and much more defensive set-up (especially with Chillo instead of a dull Akele) is Giordano Bortolani. If Jones removes Sims from the starting five, even in the guard position there is an alternation with the Sicilian who takes the place of Dimsa and repays with yet another magical night of the Cup: 21 points, clear run in the line and great personality in taking the decisive shots. At the cost of getting them wrong, but without fear. And this is precisely what Menetti derives from the irrelevant defeat at Bursa: the confidence that drives away the ghosts of the latest releases.

There remains the regret of not having taken the pink report on an occasion that is at times propitious. Because for forty-four minutes Nutribullet plays on par with the quoted Tofas, often leading in the score and not even being able to benefit from a friendly referee, given that the triad of whistles flies over the violations of Turkish steps and certain forbidden shots, rewarding Ennis instead with an unsportsmanlike doubt a few seconds from the end of the regulations.

There emerges the pugnacious character of TvB who, on 72 equal, defends, finds Jones’s block and relies on Dimsa who, as already happened, fails the central penetration for the victory.

The extra time sees Bursa in control, with Ennis’ decisive basket 40 seconds from the end and the final mistakes that weigh on a Treviso balance that, for once, remains positive despite the defeat on the pitch.