Reyer shows 'next-man-up' mentality

Umana Reyer Venice finished the regular just like it hoped it would, going on the road to beat Group B winner Gran Canaria 69-76 on Wednesday night.

Reyer spent the majority of the game in front and even led by 10 points in the third quarter only to see Gran Canaria rally. Once the hosts took a 60-59 lead early in the fourth quarter, Reyer went on a 3-13 run capped by a triple from Valerio Mazzola.

Mazzola, who averaged just 3.7 points and 1.1 triples per game made that important shot, just like Andrea De Nicolao hit a pair of first-half triples and Bruno Cerella scored 5 points and made his defensive presence felt in the second half. There was no other way around for Reyer, since the team was missing Austin Daye, Michele Vitali and Victor Sanders; and Stefano Tonut was not ready to play.

The biggest load was carried by point guard Jordan Theodore, who shined playing a game-high 34 minutes and collecting 16 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals. Jeff Brooks led the team with a season-high 17 points.

"Today we had this mentality, next-man-up", Theodore said after the win. "And today the guys brought it."

Such a mentality and also getting a few guys back will make Reyer a dangerous playoff opponent, especially since it knows how to play away from home. Reyer has four road wins this season, including against Buducnost VOLI Podgorica and now Gran Canaria.