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The Serie A basketball race tightens up as three teams now share the lead. Virtus Bologna claimed an 86-80 victory over Milano in a crucial clash, catching up with Trento, who fell 85-89 to Tortona, and Brescia, who defeated Cremona 99-87. The Black V found their rhythm in the second quarter and never looked back, led by Belinelli (19 points), Morgan (16), and Shengelia (15). Milano, despite Mirotic’s 22 points and Leday’s 17, failed to turn the game around.
Brescia also had to battle hard but ultimately secured the win thanks to five players scoring in double digits: Ivanovic (18), Della Valle and Bilan (15 each), Cournooh (14), and Burnell (12). Cremona’s strong efforts, including Willis’ 27 points and Nikolic’s double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds), were not enough.
Just behind the leading trio, Trapani needed overtime to defeat Varese 106-93. Robinson was the game-changer, scoring 13 of his 28 points in extra time. Notae (19), Petrucelli (13), and Brown (11) also contributed, while Varese relied on Alvisi (23 points) and Bradford (13).
In the playoff race, Venezia kept pace with Tortona after a dramatic 96-92 overtime win against Scafati. Ennis (24 points, 9 assists) and Kabengele (22 points, 11 rebounds) led the charge, while Scafati’s efforts were spearheaded by Maxhuni (25 points) and Gray (17).
Trieste strengthened its grip on seventh place with an 85-73 win over Treviso, powered by Brown (22 points, 10 rebounds) and Johnson (19 points, 9 rebounds). Bowman shined for Treviso with 25 points, but it wasn’t enough.
At the bottom of the standings, Pistoia secured a crucial away win, beating Napoli 74-70 in a key relegation battle. Napoli suffered from late mistakes by Pullen (17 points) and clutch free throws by Forrest (15 points). Paschall (18), Saccaggi (16), and Cooke (11 points, 20 rebounds) were standout performers for Pistoia. Meanwhile, Totè (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Green (19 points) fought hard but couldn't save Napoli from defeat.
