Italian Serie A: Germani Brescia Suffers First Loss

 It was an excitement-filled weekend of basketball in the Italian Serie A. It took 10 games but a team was finally able to take down league-leading Germani Basket Brescia (9-1) and hand them their first loss. It was no easy task as former champions, Banco di Sardegna Sassari (6-4) narrowly edged them out, 79-78. The upset victory allowed Sassari to cling onto their sixth place in the league standings, while Germani BR’s loss put a mere dent in their dominant position, being still two games ahead of their closest challengers in the rankings.

Sassari’s Scott Bamforth led the charge for the blue shirts with 21 points and seven dimes, setting the tone for the game with his well-rounded performance. Statistically, the game was close and both teams were neck in several key categories. In the end, it came down to Sassari being able to have the better late-game execution.

While that was arguably the most important game of Round 10 in the Italian Serie A, it was not the only upset that took place.

FIAT Torino stunned EA7 Emporio Armani Milano with an impressive home defense, crushing their guests 71-59. This game’s result caused a reordering of positions close to the top of the league standings. FIAT Torino climbed up to third place with Armani sliding down to fourth, with both teams now sporting identical 7-3 records.

Despite an 86-73 loss at the hands of Vanoli Cremona (4-6), Scandone Avellino (7-3) stays in second place in the league. Vanoli Cremona’s Darius Johnson-Odom exploded for 20 points and seven rebounds in the win.

Round 10 was chock-full of upsets; a stark reminder that no team can and should rest on its laurels in one of Europe’s most competitive domestic leagues.