Basketball Europe, 19 October

[JERRYDRAKE]

SNAIDERO UDINE v PREMIATA MONTEGRANARO<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Two bets on Montegranaro, two wins. After beating Roma in Porto San Giorgio, Montegranaro has lost only by 3 against Eldo Napoli in Avellino. During the match, Premiata Montegranaro leaded also by 10, showing and confirming to be more than a promoted team. After reaching for the first time the Lega 1 of the Italian basket, Montegranaro has started in the best way his championship and will now face Udine away. Snaidero Udine has lost both of his games: at home against VidiVici Milano and away against Roma. The team of Udine has some problems due to the fact that his coach Pancotto has never had the chance until now to see all of his players available. The lack of amalgam caused by some injuries has not permitted Udine to work out as they should. In the last game played in Rome, Pancotto has also registred the new injuries of Antonutti and Wisniewski. Larry O’Bannon came back after an ankle injury and is still not in his top form while Damon Williams scored only 7 points. Childress (13 points) and Ronald Slay (18) can give Montegranaro the second victory of the season against a team that is not stronger than Roma and Napoli. Pick: Premiata Montegranaro (AH+5), full time including overtime, odds: 1.90, bookmaker: Ladbrokes, stake: 10/10

BIPOP REGGIO EMILIA v ELDO NAPOLI

Who will stop Napoli on Thursday? I think nobody. Reggio Emilia lost two games out of two: Reggio Emilia v Siena 59-87 and Scafati v Reggio Emilia 87-70. The coach of Reggio Emilia Pasquali said he needs one more good player for his team, someone who can bring some experience and personality lacking in his group. On the other side, Napoli has won only by 2 in Teramo (79-77) and by 3 in Avellino against Montegranaro (83-80). Although Napoli only won in the last seconds of both games, this team has played against two teams in top condition. Napoli is one of the main candidates for the Italian title this year and is normal that the start has not been that fast. The two good results obtained in the first two rounds can give the team coached by Bucchi more self-confidence and calm. In Reggio Emilia Napoli should not miss the opportunity to win his third game out of three. Pick: Eldo Napoli (full time including overtime), bookmaker: Ladbrokes, odds: 1.62, stake: 10/10