Openjobmetis Varese secured a commanding 99-84 road victory against UnaHotels Reggio Emilia on Friday, reversing their difficult start to the week.
Ioannis Kastritis’ side maintained control at the PalaBigi for 40 minutes, marking their fourth away win of the season, according to La Prealpina.
The outcome effectively breaks a personal streak for coach Kastritis against Dimitris Priftis. Varese entered the contest with a sense of urgency following a loss in Athens, and they immediately imposed their will on the hosts. The visitors established an 18-point lead by the seventh minute and extended that advantage to 23 points by the 18th minute, fueled by high-efficiency shooting that saw them finish with 73% from two-point range and 47% from behind the arc.
Ismaël Kamagate emerged as a dominant force in the paint, filling the void left by the absence of teammate Jaron Johnson.
The French center consistently capitalized on offensive opportunities and anchored the defense, helping Varese edge the rebounding battle 34-27. This performance was particularly notable given that Reggio Emilia was also missing a key frontcourt presence in Echenique, as reported by Reggionline -Telereggio – Ultime notizie Reggio Emilia.
“We are certainly talking about a very strong team with great offensive talent,” said Reggio Emilia head coach Dimitris Priftis, as quoted by Sportmediaset regarding the challenge Varese presented. “We have to be even more careful on defense and, as I was saying, manage the crucial moments near the end of the game better, where greater attention and concentration are needed.”
Key Contributors and Tactical Shift
Varese’s offensive fluidity was supported by a balanced scoring effort. Gabe Hale provided consistent options for both himself and his teammates, while newcomer Tyler McDowell-White made a strong impression in his league debut, contributing eight points in nine minutes of play. Marko Nikolic also maintained exceptional accuracy, finishing the night a perfect 8-for-8 from the field.
The team’s defensive intensity, particularly from Jaylen Hands—who recorded eight assists and limited the impact of Cassius Winston—was a primary factor in maintaining the lead throughout the evening.
Despite a technical foul assessed to Matteo Librizzi in the 27th minute, Varese remained in control of the tempo. The win at the PalaBigi improves Varese’s chances in the Coppa Italia following a taxing stretch of 12 games in seven weeks.
Varese Secures First Venue Win Since 2022
This victory represents a tactical and mental step forward for Varese, marking their first win at this venue since Matt Brase led the team to a victory in October 2022. For Reggio Emilia, the loss continues a period of inconsistency, with the team struggling to find cohesion despite the return of some players to the rotation.
The current schedule provides a rare moment of relief for Varese. Following this victory, the team has only one remaining fixture before a scheduled break. Varese is set to face Venezia on November 22, a game that will allow the squad to address lingering injuries and recover from their recent heavy workload.
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