Final Eight, Coppa Italia Basket - Semifinals Preview
Milan-Venice 17/02/24, CET 17:00
The prediction was respected on the left side of the bracket, setting up a final that has become a classic in recent years of Italian basketball. Milan enters the match as the favorite, riding high on excellent form and a commanding performance in the quarterfinals against Trento (80-57): Olimpia only needed flashes from Shields, Voigtmann, and Hubb, reserving their best for the upcoming games. Experience led Reyer to victory as well, as they weren't intimidated by Pistoia's tenacity or their poor shooting from beyond the arc (21%). Decisive for the late surge of the orogranata team (86-71), Tucker's creativity (23 points) and Kabengele's physical dominance under the basket (13+13, with 3 blocks) will also be key elements in dismantling the well-structured tactical plan of coach Messina's squad. Despite the only previous meeting this season resulting in a landslide victory for Olimpia at the Forum (95-72), Saturday will showcase the technically richest challenge of this Italian Cup, and Venice can compete until the end. Although a hard-fought victory for Melli and company, with the total points hovering around 160, is expected.
Reggiana-Naples - 17/02/24, CET 19:45
It's the great surprise of these Final Eight: while Naples's upset against Brescia was somewhat foreseeable, Reggio's victory over Virtus is a true basketball feat. Especially considering how it happened, with Priftis' team managing to disrupt Bologna's rotations thanks to a magnificent fourth quarter (18-28, final score 72-81). Galloway, as usual, and the young Momo Faye (16 points with 6 rebounds) stood out: now the white and red team can dream big. Naples is no less impressive, eliminating the defending champions by dictating the game from start to finish (74-80). More than half of the points (44) were scored by the Pullen-Brown duo, resembling MVP performances. It's a game to experience fully, with the recent encounter in the league (87-89 in favor of Reggiana) once again suggesting balance. Reggio has more rebounding strength and is tactically more solid. Naples relies on bursts of energy and high pace, supported by a deeper roster. The outcome is uncertain, with the total points just over 160, and the scale slightly tipping towards Pullen and his teammates. Also, considering a simple statistical fact: Reggiana has been alternating wins and losses for 10 consecutive games. Will the masterpiece against Virtus be enough to change their course?