A very heavy and prestigious victory for Openjobmetis Varese, which conquers the Allianz Cloud in Milan with a test of character, personality and mental solidity. After a first half in which Olimpia managed to impose pace and physicality, the Varese players never fell apart, remaining engaged in the game and growing as the minutes passed. The turning point came in the second half, when Varese increased the defensive intensity and found offensive continuity, completing the comeback and putting their head forward already in the third quarter. In the decisive period, coach Kastritis’ team shows maturity and composure: after EA7’s return to 74-74, Openjobmetis scores a deadly partial which definitively breaks the balance. Moore was the absolute protagonist, author of a total performance of 21 points and 9 rebounds, well supported by Stewart’s 18 points and the fundamental contribution of Nkamhoua, Iroegbu and captain Librizzi, all in double figures. A success that is worth double, not only for the standings, but for the morale and identity of a Varese team capable of winning as a team on the pitch of a Euroleague team.
The start of the match sees Milan start off strong with LeDay, but Openjobmetis responds immediately with Moore and Iroegbu, also finding the first overtaking. Milan remains hooked thanks to Brooks and Nebo, while the Varese keep their noses ahead with Renfro. At the end of the quarter EA7 Emporio Armani raises the offensive intensity: Brooks scores the equalizer, then LeDay and Guduric push the red and whites to +4. Librizzi tries to keep Varese in his wake, but Mannion closes the first period at 19-15 for Olimpia.
In the second period the home team immediately tried to push forward with Guduric and LeDay, finding offensive continuity and taking a double-digit lead. Openjobmetis reacts in spurts with Moore, Stewart and Iroegbu, but struggles to contain Nebo’s physical impact under the basket. Milan maintains control also thanks to baskets from Ricci and Flaccadori, while the Varese players remain in the game with Librizzi and Nkamhoua. At halftime the score reads 43-36 for Olimpia, with Varese doing well to reduce the gap towards the end.
After the interval Olimpia tries to escape with Shields and Nebo, but Openjobmetis remains hooked thanks to Renfro and Moore. Milan maintains the advantage with Guduric and LeDay, only to then suffer a comeback from the Varese team led by Alviti, Stewart and Iroegbu. Varese completes the overtaking midway through the quarter, finding rhythm and confidence in attack. In the final, Brooks brought EA7 Emporio Armani back to a draw, but the guests finished ahead 63-62 at the end of the third period.
The last quarter opens with Openjobmetis who immediately tries to take the lead thanks to Librizzi and a very inspired Moore, capable of scoring a long series of consecutive baskets. Olimpia reacts with character: Brooks, Guduric, Shields and Nebo mend the gap until they equalized at 74-74. In the key moment, however, the Varese players change gear, finding important points with Stewart, Nkamhoua and Iroegbu, the creators of the decisive break for the final 74-84.
THE SCORESHEET – THE WORDS OF GIANNIS KASTRITIS
Photo by Ciamillo&Castoria – Reproduction prohibited
