Virtus Bologna, Sergio Scariolo frames key factors in series with Tortona

The words of Sergio Scariolo on the eve of game 1 between Virtus Bologna and Bertram Derthona

On the eve of Game 1 of the LBA playoff semifinals against Tortona, Virtus Bologna head coach Sergio Scariolo, during the pre-game press conference, identified the key factors that could put the series downhill for his boys.

“The offense is doing great. The pace depends on defense; that’s where you force mistakes, recover rebounds and can go in transition. What we do in the defensive half will be crucial to the outcome of this series. A lot will depend on those players who have the most difficulty. If they can raise their level as well, it will open up more opportunities for us to hit in the open court,” said the Black Vu coach.

“Tortona is a very physical team and well organized defensively. We will have to play smart, running whenever we can. Compared to last year they have players who are very skilled in one-on-one, able to attack even in the broken game. What they have added compared to last season is greater defensive solidity and the ability to make decisions in the final stages of possessions,” added Sergio Scariolo.