Cantù beaten in Venice, De Nicolao and Brienza: "Paid for bad first quarter"

Cantù’s point guard Andrea De Nicolao spoke after the 101-95 loss to Venice in the game valid for the tenth day of Serie A. “We expected a strong start from Reyer after the Eurocup loss. However, we got a little overwhelmed and carried those 36 points we conceded in the first quarter throughout the game. I think that’s where the game was funneled: we were good at stitching up with some tears and, in the end, with a little more lucidity we could have maybe played it all until the last shot”, explained De Nicolao.

Cantù remains stuck at 6 points in 13th place in the standings, while Venice hoisted itself up to second, two points behind leader Brescia. The game’s top scorer was Canturino Sneed with 24 points, Bortolani also did well at 21.

These are the words of Cantù coach Brienza after the game: “There were many games in one. Venice was very good in the first quarter: some tactical distractions created problems for us, but they shot very well from three and built the first break. We were good at holding our own in the second quarter. In the third we started well, although we missed some shots”.

“We were not good at reopening it and then, also accomplice to some frustration, we paid for the response of the opponents. I must then congratulate the boys for the last partial: we tried to give our best in the final. The overall result is negative, but to have fought for forty minutes against an excellent team like Venice is definitely a positive aspect. Next week we have an important game and we have to treasure these last few away games in order to arrive ready to play a direct clash against a competitor”.