Reyer Venezia conquer FIBA Europe Cup after defeating Sidigas Avellino

VENICE (FIBA Europe Cup) - Umana Reyer Venezia were crowned the new FIBA Europe Cup champions at the Palasport Giuseppe Taliercio on Wednesday after defeating Sidigas Scandone Avellino in the all-Italian title duel.

The team from Venice followed up their road win in Avellino with an 81-79 triumph at home on the second leg to add their maiden international cup to their trophy cabinet.

Turning Point: Halfway through the quarter, the visiting Scandone side was still up 72-69 and breathing down the home side's neck, but baskets by Austin Daye and Bruno Cerella swung the game in Reyer Venezia's favor.

Game Hero: Croatian forward Hrvoje Peric was the game-changing factor for Reyer Venezia, finishing the contest with a team-high 16 points off the bench on 6-of-10 shooting in just 18 minutes of action.

Stats Don't Lie: Reyer Venezia valued the ball extremely well all game long, only turning it over three times, with all three turnovers coming in the first half of play.

Bottom Line: After falling short in the 1980-81 Korac Cup title game, their only other European Final to date, Umana Reyer Venezia finally lifted their first international trophy with their FIBA Europe Cup conquest.

They Said: "I think that Avellino played a great game with their aggressiveness but we responded every time. In some moments, it was a really tough. I know that my team is built by true men before good players. I think, in the clutch moments, we put something more on the court – not just technique or tactics. This is something that we combined for the win." – Umana Reyer Venezia head coach Walter De Raffaele

"It was a big team effort, like usual. They came out with a lot of aggression and a lot of energy and we responded. I'm just proud of the guys and proud of what. We've been working a long time to get to points like this. I've been playing for a long time and I know how hard it is to win a championship. I'm proud of everybody." – Umana Reyer Venezia guard MarQuez Haynes

It was a good game today, but unfortunately we didn't achieve the trophy. We have to congratulate Venezia because I think they deserved to win in these two games. I think we didn't play well in Avellino, we could have done a better job at home. After losing at home by 8 points, it's not easy to come here and win the trophy. We played a very good game and we're proud of what we did today." – Sidigas Scandone Avellino guard Lorenzo D'Ercole

FIBA