Virtus Makes Impressive Debut at Masnago: Varese Routed 69-90, Baldasso and Alston Named MVPs

Virtus begins the season with a major statement: 69-90 at Varese, in a Masnago that according to Repubblica Bologna is not considered an easy arena. First win of the season for the white-and-reds, following unsuccessful debuts in the Supercoppa and Euroleague.

A Two-Faced Game

According to Resto del Carlino's account, the match was played at high pace from the start, with Virtus ahead already at the first buzzer (26-21) and able to touch +11 in the second quarter. Varese, without William McDowell-White and Amedeo Della Valle, nonetheless held their ground, getting back to -2 in the second half, as Repubblica Bologna also reports, speaking of a white-and-reds "blackout" in the third period.

It was in that most difficult moment that Mumbrù's team found its rhythm again, closing the third quarter ahead 68-58 before extending the lead in the final period, with Varese able to score just five points in over eight minutes.

Baldasso and Alston Shine

Absolute protagonist Tommaso Baldasso, author of 17 points and named MVP of the game by BolognaToday: according to Repubblica Bologna he was still without significant baskets in his new uniform and found them precisely in the most delicate moments, also signing the decisive run. Same total for Alston (17 points), while Marcus Carr led the attack with 11 points and 6 assists and Kessler Edwards made his mark on both sides of the floor with 12 points.

What made the difference, as Corriere di Bologna and Repubblica Bologna emphasize, was above all the dominance on the boards: 47 to 29 for Virtus, a huge gap that allowed the white-and-reds to control the pace of the match despite 20 turnovers overall.

Now the Euroleague

After the Masnago victory, Virtus immediately faces a week with a double European commitment: Tuesday the team will be in Milan, Thursday it returns home to face Olympiacos.