Andrea Calzavara scored 27 points to lead Old Wild West Udine to an 84-81 victory over Openjobmetis Varese at the Itelyum Arena, as reported by La Prealpina.
The game marked Varese’s first defeat after a three-game winning streak and handed Udine its second away win in Masnago.
Messaggero Veneto noted that the club achieved a 57% win rate through the first seven games, mirroring a start not seen since the 1969-1970 season under coach Gianfranco Benvenuti and star player Joe Allen.
Varese squandered an 11-point lead early in the second half during a 15-minute offensive slump. La Prealpina detailed how the hosts lost their rhythm inside the paint, hitting just 8 of 9 two-pointers in the first quarter before managing only 10 of 25 over the remaining 30 minutes.
Udine capitalized during the third period with a 27-14 scoring run. Messaggero Veneto reported that coach Adriano Vertemati’s side solidified its status as the least-conceded defense in Serie A, holding opponents to an average of 80.3 points per game.
Calzavara scored 22 of his 27 points in the second half, taking over the offensive load down the stretch.
In the final minutes, Alviti and Hale hit consecutive three-pointers to pull Varese within two points at 78-80. Calzavara responded immediately with a driving basket and subsequent free throws to seal the 84-81 final score, according to RaiNews.
Varese coach Ioannis Kastritis pointed to the greater hunger of Udine’s players as the deciding factor in the post-game remarks reported by Messaggero Veneto. The defeat leaves Varese at a standstill ahead of a demanding stretch of three matches in six days.
Udine prepares to face Olimpia Milano next, holding a top-tier defensive record in the league. Varese turns its focus to international and domestic competition, visiting Peristeri on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Unahotels Reggio Emilia on Saturday, Dec. 14.
