The Take
The series moves to Italy as Grissin Bon Reggio Emilia welcomes undefeated Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar for Game 2; a game that could put the Russian team in the 7DAYS EuroCup Finals, since they are leading the best-of-three series by 1-0.
Loko is still undefeated in the EuroCup this season and will tie the competition record for the longest winning streak if it beats Reggio Emilia on Friday.
Reggio Emilia is on a six-game winning streak at home during which it beat three playoffs teams – FC Bayern Munich, UNICS Kazan and Zenit St. Petersburg, so do not expect the hosts to lower their arms just yet.
Lokomotiv Kuban is heading Italy with clear understanding what it’s going to face there. Sasa Obradovic said that at a press conference after Game 1. According to our coach, Loko didn’t show its best in Krasnodar. However, fans didn’t notice that. Loko showed its character in key moments and prevented the opponent from comeback.
Amedeo Della Valle, who leads the EuroCup is scoring and PIR, missed Game 1, but is hopeful to play in Game 2. Reggio Emilia shot the ball at very low percentages (42.6% 2FG, 25% 3FG) in Krasnodar and was outrebounded 44-30, which was the biggest key to this game. Chris Wright led Reggio Emilia with 14 points.
Big men Brian Qvale and Frank Elegar led Lokomotiv with 16 and 11 rebounds, respectively, and helped their team to a 43-28 lead at halftime, which was enough to keep full control of the game in the second half.
Game 2 of EuroCup semifinals takes place on March 23rd in Italy. The game starts at 10:25 Moscow time.