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Avelino have three wins in a row and keep playing better with each next one

While the home team's form is getting better, the guests still have injury issues. Beside Diner, Lavrinović, Silins and Pini, Kaukenas will probably be out today as well

Avellino got their first win against Pesaro, but it was a struggle against one of the worst teams of the league. Then it was Milano. The first half-time was awesome, and they ended up celebrating 73-69. It was a big win and it showed their team's potential.

That was only further confirmed in the away game against Orlando. Even though Orlando are new in the first league, it's never easy to play away, and this one was Avellino's first away win. It was 81-67, the defense was very good, as well as the field goal. They had 61% of two pointers, and 43.5% three pointers. The game was decided with a 15-0 series after the half-time. They could've done it earlier, too, if they didn't concede a 10-0 by the host. It doesn't matter now, they got their third consecutive win and boosted their confidence before facing Reggiana.

Anosike continued playing great, 18 points and 10 rebounds only confirmed that he's the best rebounder of the league. Harper (20p, 18r) and him did a great job under the hoop and it's clear how strong they are in that segment. Hanga (14p, 7r, 5a) played an all-around game, and Banks still didn't find his form when it comes to shots. 

- It's a very important game, and it's really important that we are focused from the start. Compared to the last game, our physical form is even better, and we started playing better both ends. Despite that, we're a team that still have a lot of room for improvement. We're playing at home and should use that advantage. Reggio Emilia always play great and are one of the favorites for the title - coach Vittuci concluded.

While Avellino keep playing better in the championship, Reggio Emilia fight battle on two fronts, one of which is against injuries. Despite that, they defeated Milano (77-76) in the last round and proved they'll be a big bite to swallow for anyone.

Their rotation is still quite short, which makes that win even greater. They were 13 points ahead in the beginning of the second period, but Milano are a dangerous team and it was pretty evened out till the end of the game. Cervi brought the win after the pick with Kaukenas. Moss made a fault on Cervi when slam dunking only two tenths before the end. He missed the first, but scored the second, and the whole arena was in a delirium. Kaukenas was great in the first part with 13 out of 16 points, but Della Valle was crucial in the last period with 10 out of 12 points. Cincarini added 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Two days later, they almost defeated Bonn in the Eurocup game. They were 19 points ahead by the end of third, but ended up losing 85-84. Cinciarini and Polonara had two shots in the last ten seconds, but none came in. Taylor and Polonara were the best scorers with 19 points. Kaukenas didn't play because he was ill, and there's a big chance he'll be out against Avellino, too.

- This defeat hurts, a lot. We deserved to win, we played perfect 33 minutes, and dominated, but also made too many mistakes. In the key moments, we lacked calmness - coach Menetti was disappointed.

They don't have much time to rest because Avellino is coming only three days later. Good news is that Diner, Pini and Silins joined the practices on Friday, but nobody mentions them playing today.

They faced Avellino in the pre-season, and celebrated 93-84. One thing is for sure, there won't be running like that today. Last season's games shouldn't be considered because Avellino were an under average team then.

- We're playing against a team that relies on extremely athletic five players. Anosike and Harper don't sore much by accident, and the back line can always open up for them. Cavalieri leads the bench, and they're very strong - Menetti was careful before the match. 

Avellino and Reggiana both beat Milano last two rounds and now face each other. It's more than obvious both teams are bursting with confidence, Avellino especially. Reggiana struggle with injuries, have short roster, and some of their game are a real surprise. They are playing two competitions, but some of their games are more efficient even tough Menetti focuses on defense. They are very adaptable - when the opponent runs, Reggiana run as well. Avellino will not run today, they're 5 unders in 5 games at this margin. Reggiana went to over with Varese and Pesara, while two other games ended in under. I don't understand this margin, it's more than clear that both teams base their games on defense. On top of that, Reggiana have short roster, both teams are motivated and this should not get close to 150 points.