Umana Reyer Venezia welcomes Openjobmetis Varese, fresh from their home win against Brindisi, after their success in Brescia.
Where to watch: Sunday 23 April 2023 7pm, Eleven Sports
Referees: Beniamino Manuel Attard, Gabriele Bettini, Gianluca Capotorto
PREVIOUS
Sunday’s challenge will be number 103, which will be played between the two clubs.
In the 102 games played so far there have been 64 wins for Varese, 36 for Venice and 2 draws.
In the home games, Reyer leads 27:22, but the Lombards have won the last three direct duels.
THE GONE
In the first leg, played on November 19, 2022 in anticipation of Day 7, Openjobmetis won 93-90, powered by Ross’ 20 points and 6 assists and Reyes’ 19 points and 10 rebounds. Caruso’s contribution in the point-to-point final was also fundamental.
THE ABSENT
Umana Reyer Venice – Adam Mokoka is in doubt because of a right wrist injury.
Mitchell Watt is out with a right thigh injury.
Openjobmetis Varese – Justin Reyes is out with a knee problem.
THE EX
Umana Reyer Venice – Andrea De Nicolao played in Varese in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons and averaged 5.3 points and 2.1 assists.
THE STATEMENTS
Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venezia coach: “It’s a very important game for both teams. They are an excellent side who beat us in the first leg. The basketball style is similar, they’ve had that identity since the start of the season and they’re doing great things. Finally, after so many trips and away games, we are returning to play at home. One of the most important things for us will be to have a full taliercio, we will do our best to play the best possible game. We have to think “step by step” by only looking at the table at the end: We still have to face three games in the best possible way to get the best possible position. From my point of view you have to have the desire to improve every day, you can win games even with a lot of mistakes, but if you reduce them next time, you’ll get even better. Our players work hard for that.”
Michael Arcieri, General Manager of Openjobmetis Varese: “We’re coming from a very busy week with three games in eight days, but we’ve managed to play with some continuity and that’s a very important aspect. There are no breaks as we face Venice on Sunday and next week we face Scafati, another team that is playing very well. As for Reyer, we’re talking about a very strong formation, the result of six straight wins; against Brindisi we showed solid defense in the third quarter, while we got the ball rolling very well in attack; Well, if we can do those things well, with focus, and make sure we don’t lose balls like we did in the first half of Wednesday’s game, then we have a chance.”
