| 09 February 2007 From Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA Sport, Bologna Virtus Bologna had four players score 12 points and the team overcame a bad night at the free throw line en route to a 69-62 victory over Whirlpool Varese in the Coppa Italia.
Zare Markovski's Virtus are hosting the event at their Pala Malaguti and the home fans saw them prevail despite shooting just 56% (9-of-16) at the stripe.
Varese, who qualified for the Coppa with their recent regular-season win at home over the Bologna team, were even worse at the line, making 10 of 19 (53%).
"We have suffered against Varese, but I think in the end we deserved the win," said Markovski to PA Sport.
Varese worked hard and hauled in 35 rebounds to 25 for Virtus, who are one of the leading teams in the EuroCup.
"We do have the pressure as the host team, but even more pressure to win tonight because just 10 days ago, we lost against them so my players had extra motivation," Markovski said.
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Brett Blizzard was one of four players to score 12 points for Virtus.
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| "We hope to go all the way, but we know it's going to be difficult. At least today, we've taken the first step."
Italian international Andrea Michelori, who missed the early part of the season through injury, along with Brett Blizzard, Vlado Ilievski and Dusan Vukcevic, all had 12 points.
Varese's Delonte Holland led all scorers with 13 points.
The visitors were impressive early and led 20-19 when Gabriel Fernandez made a three-pointer.
Andrea Michelori scored immediately after for Virtus and they led for the remainder of the game.
Virtus will now play in the semi-finals against Armani Jeans Milano. Sven Schultze equalled a season-high 16 points as Armani Jeans Milano held off a very determined Premiata Montegranaro to win the opening game of the Coppa Italia, 74-70.
Schultze, a German international, made four three-pointers, the most important with just under three minutes remaining to level the game at 69-69 immediately after Randolph Childress had struck from long range for Premiata.
Veteran center Joseph Blair, after Luca Vitali missed with a three-point attempt for Premiata, scored down low to put Armani Jeans into the lead for good.
Misan Nikagbatse, another German who like Schultze won a silver medal at EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade, was off target with a three and he then fouled Nate Green, who sank both shots to stretch the lead to 74-70.
Milano held on for a deserved win, although Premiata showed why they have been one of the real surprise teams in Italy this season.
Stefano Pillastrini's team pushed the Italian giants all the way to the end, with Valerio Amoroso scoring 17 points.
Armani Jeans Milano coach Aleksandar Djordjevic admitted he did not have to motivate his players against one of the newcomers to Lega A because in their regular season game on October 22, Premiata had won 76-63.
Djordevic told PA Sport: "We knew the quality of this team, that they had played together for the last three years and had done very well in the league. It was a tough game but in the end, we won because we made less mistakes than them.
"Schultze had a great game. I am really happy because he is giving a lot to this team and is showing a lot of heart."
Milano last won the Coppa Italia in 1996.
"Our aim is to continue (with the teamwork)," Djordevic said. "We win as a team and we lose as a team." | 
