President Pedone on Venezia Match: Compliments, Reflections & Looking Ahead

VENICE, Italy – Apu Udine President Alessandro Pedone offered a candid assessment following his team’s 101-94 loss to Reyer Venezia on Sunday, March 15, 2026, marking the club’s fourth consecutive defeat. Although acknowledging Venezia’s strong performance, Pedone also pointed to missed opportunities and a lack of attention to detail in the final minutes as key factors in the outcome. The loss comes after a recent 87-94 defeat to Reyer Venezia on November 7, 2025, at the Carnera Arena, as reported by YouTube.

“They were good, Venezia was very good, but we lacked attention in the final stretch,” Pedone said, as relayed in reports from Tutto Venezia Sport. “We were up by two with two and a half minutes left, with them in the bonus and us not. It was up to us at that point to close it out. Venezia showed they are the team they are known to be, with important players. We just lacked that little something extra to be able to win.”

The game, described as a “great spot for basketball” by Pedone, unfolded as a thrilling contest at the Taliercio Arena, a venue with a capacity of approximately 3,500. Reyer Venezia, a team with a decorated history including two Italian League championships in 2017 and 2019, along with a Coppa Italia title in 2020 and a FIBA Europe Cup win in 2018, mounted a significant comeback after trailing by as much as 20 points. A key turning point came with an 11-0 run by Venezia, narrowing the gap to nine points by halftime (43-52). The third quarter saw a further surge from the home team, with a 37-7 stretch extending their lead to 69-59.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Apu Udine fought back, fueled by a strong performance from Aubrey Dawkins, who scored 19 points, 14 in the second half, and became the team’s leading scorer for the day. Dawkins’ contribution helped Udine remain competitive, entering the final five minutes tied at 84. However, Venezia ultimately prevailed, exceeding their usual scoring output of around 91 points by adding ten more.

Pedone acknowledged that the loss came down to crucial moments and episodes, but emphasized his team’s awareness of their strengths and continued progress. He also highlighted the importance of the potential return of Eimantas Bendzius from injury, hoping to bolster the team’s roster soon. He praised Dawkins’ performance, noting a newfound intensity and attention to detail on the defensive end.

“Compliments to Dawkins for a courageous game: not only for the offensive contribution, but also – finally – for the attention and intensity shown in the defensive phase,” Pedone stated.

The President also addressed concerns about officiating, stating he wouldn’t dwell on potential biases, especially as a newly promoted team in Serie A. He expressed hope that the league would recognize Udine’s efforts and avoid unnecessary controversy. He was joined at the game by Marco Di Giusto, founder of Cigierre.

The loss to Venezia marks the fourth consecutive defeat for Apu Udine, following previous losses to Virtus Bologna, Brescia, and Varese. The team’s current record leaves them positioned more towards the middle of the league standings than initially anticipated. While not facing immediate relegation concerns as a first-year Serie A team, their championship aspirations are fading.

Looking ahead, Apu Udine will face a challenging schedule, including a home game against Olimpia Milano on March 29th and a road game against Cremona before a regional derby against a team from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region on April 12th. The potential return of Anthony Hickey, following a doping suspension, could provide a further boost to the team’s lineup.

Pedone’s post-game comments, while acknowledging the defeat, also served as a message of resilience and determination. He emphasized the team’s commitment to improvement and their focus on the challenges ahead. The team secured a spot in the Coppa Italia Final Eight earlier in the season with a win over Vanoli Cremona, but the recent string of losses underscores the competitive nature of Serie A.

Apu Udine will necessitate to regroup quickly as they prepare to face a tough opponent in Olimpia Milano. The team’s ability to address their defensive vulnerabilities and capitalize on offensive opportunities will be crucial to their success. The upcoming matches will provide a valuable test of their character and their potential to compete at the highest level.

Fans can stay updated on Apu Udine’s progress through the team’s official channels and Serie A’s official website. The team’s next confirmed match is against Olimpia Milano on March 29th at the Carnera Arena.

What are your thoughts on Apu Udine’s recent performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!