Petteri Koponen Watch: Second Banana Edition

H.T. checks in with the latest from the ongoing Petteri Koponen in Italy saga. Don't know what I'm talking about? Get up to speed. So archive-y!

26 points. That is the difference of No. 1 team and No. 2 team in Italian Serie A. Montepaschi Siena secured their whopping 13th win in a row destroying Virtus Bologna 107-81 (53-35) at home court this Sunday. Siena was leading by ten in the end of the first quarter and went on full throttle before giving their substitutes some precious time on the court in the final quarter.

Earl Boykins had returned to Virtus Bologna line-up after leaving back to States for Christmas without the permission of the team. Boykins' presence didn't help Bologna much, because he ended up with lukewarm six points in 18 minutes. Petteri Koponen didn't do much better; he had three points (FG 1-4), three turnovers, one assist and one steal in 13 minutes.

While Bologna struggled, Siena showed why they are championship contenders in the Euroleague as well as Serie A. Romain Sato ended up with 37 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals in just 31 minutes, while Ksistof Lavrinovic had 20 points, Henry Domercant 17 points and Terrell McIntyre 11 points, 7 steals and 6 assists. Guilherme Giovannoni led Bologna with 23 points.

Bologna's Serie A campaign continues Saturday, January 10th at home against Premiara Montegranaro, featuring notables such as Kiwane Garris, Ricky Minard and Brandon Hunter. Bologna stands second in Serie A with 8w-5l record. This Tuesday, Bologna tries to improve to 5-0 in FIBA EuroChallenge Cup at home against Tanoka Beard's Tartu Rock.


-H.T.