Montepaschi Siena victoriously opened the series versus Cimberio Varese. The defending champions stole a road win in the opener. Cimberio Varese was tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Montepaschi Siena made 7 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Bobby Brown (188-84, college: CS Fullerton) who helped to win the game recording 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward David Moss (196-83, college: Indiana St., agency: SportsTalent) contributed with 17 points for the winners. American point guard Mike Green (185-85, college: Butler) answered with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists and Nigerian-American swingman Ebi Ere (195-81, college: Oklahoma) added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Cimberio Varese. Four Cimberio Varese players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games.
Top scorers:
Cimberio VA: E.Ere 15+8reb, M.Green 14+7reb+8ast, D.Sakota 13+2reb, A.Banks 11+2reb, B.Dunston 9+6reb+1ast, D.Ivanov 5+4reb+2ast
Montepaschi: B.Brown 29+5reb+4ast, D.Moss 17+4reb+1ast, D.Hackett 10+3reb+2ast, B.Eze 9+9reb+1ast, M.Carraretto 7+1reb+1ast, V.Sanikidze 4+6reb+1ast

Acea Virtus RM — Cantu 82-75 OT

Acea Virtus Roma claimed the opening win in the semifinal series versus Cantu. They needed overtime to prevail against pesky Cantu in the opener. Luigi Datome scored 23 points and grabbed 5 boards to pace the hosts. Cantu led by as many as 12 points at halftime. But Roma went on a 22:10 run in the fourth quarter to force the extra period. They managed to snatch the victory in overtime then. Phill Goss contributed 18 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Joe Ragland answered with 16 points for Cantu. Alex Tyus had 15 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
Top scorers:
Cantu: J.Ragland 16+4reb+4ast, A.Tyus 15+12reb, P.Aradori 13+4reb+3ast, M.Leunen 9+3reb+4ast, N.Mazzarino 6+1reb+1ast, J.Smith 6+3reb
Acea Virtus RM: L.Datome 23+5reb, P.Goss 18+7reb+4ast, G.Lawal 14+8reb, J.Taylor 10+2reb+2ast, L.D'Ercole 8+3reb, B.Jones 5+1reb