ITA M: Lube avoid drowning, Priddy makes debut, Modena alone on top, Trentino prevail in ex-derby

Micah & Reid

In high-tension match, Padova proved as tough opponents to title favorites taking first and fourth set and being close to prevail in tie-break 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 25-14, 20-25, 17-15).

Lube’s coach Gianlorenzo Blengini could not count on Serbian middle blocker Dragan Stanković for this match, composing line-up without his compatriot Ivan Miljković, but was forced to send him on court during Set 1. As for newcomer, American Reid Priddy (scored nine points), he also started the match from the bench, introdusing himself to Lube’s fans from the finish of Set 2.

Padova had two match balls in the fifth set 14-13 and 15-14, but with three consecutive points from home team at 14-15 (Juantorena twice and Podraščanin), Lube took two points allowing DHL Modena to be single at first place on the table.

Enrico Cester and Serbian Marko Podraščanin had 15 each in Lube while Stefano Giannotti scored 23 in Padova.

DHL Modena had an easy job to claim leadership the standings. Italian vice-champions beat Gi Group Monza at home court 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 28-26).

Despite the numbers, which show that Modena had hard time against outsiders, they played only to the level they needed to achieve win. Luca Vettori stood out in winning team with 15 points. Andrea Galliani had 14 in Monza.

Until recently, the game between LPR Piacenza and Diatec Trentino was worth the title, but now that is just a memory. Current situation points out on enormous gap between the two teams, with Trentino being able to win without wasting precious energy ahead of a busy week leading up to the Final Four of Italian Cup 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-15).

The Greek Mitar Đurić collected 12 points in Trentino. The Canadian John Gordon Perrin had 11 in losing team.

Besides games Lube – Padova, two other ended with a tie-break. Sir Safety Conad Perugia (Serbian Atanasijević 24 pts.) was better than CMC Romagna (Puerto Rican Torres 33 pts.) while Ninfa Latina (German Hirsch 25) prevailed Calzedonia Verona (Serbian Kovačević and American Sander 20 each) on road.

Exprivia Molfetta downed Revivre Milano (14 from Bulgarian Milushev) in straight sets with 23 points and 76% of successfull attack from the Cuban Fernando Hernández.

Regular Season / 15th round

To see standings, results, stats, videos, etc, visit our page ITA  National Championship 2015/2016 M. 

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