Reyer Crushes Cantù 85-73, but Brugnaro-Spahija Incident Steals the Spotlight

Winning debut for Umana Reyer Venezia, which on the opening day of the championship beats Acqua San Bernardo Cantù 85-73, coached by former orogranata coach Frank Vitucci. A clear-cut victory, as reported by Corriere del Veneto, with five lagoon players finishing in double figures and Wiltjer top scorer of the evening with 16 points.

A Blazing Start

Reyer starts off strong, with a 13-0 run that immediately sets the tone for the match. Cantù tries to fight back with a Moraschini three-pointer that closes the first quarter at 21-17, but Venice stretches the lead again driven by an excellent Tessitori and newcomer Erick Green, extending to 36-24. Candi's three-pointers electrify the Taliercio crowd and bring the orogranata to 43-31 at halftime.

In the second half Cantù attempts a comeback with Christon, getting as close as 57-49, but it proves short-lived: Venice surges again with Candi, protagonist of two more three-pointers worth 65-49. Boyake's dunk seals it at 71-54 with plenty of time to spare, leaving Reyer the task of managing their lead in the final eight minutes.

Bench Tensions

What sparks discussion, however, is not just the result. As La Nuova Venezia reports, during the match a moment of tension occurred: Brugnaro allegedly gave instructions during the game, triggering a furious reaction from Spahija. A near-brawl would have been avoided, according to the Venetian outlet, in an incident that livened up an otherwise one-sided evening for the orogranata.