BiE is still internally debating whether Montepaschi Siena predictably winning the 2010 Coppa Italia was a good thing or not. On one hand, any other result might have resulted in massive match-fixing allegations; after all, Siena devotees would argue, how else could this dominant squad have possibly lost if not for referee assistance?
Tourney MVP Stonerook adds to his trophy case
On the other hand, another MPS win surely induces little more than ennui in non-Siena Legabasket fans; as Montepaschi pulls away with the six-game lead the team has amassed in league play, the 83-75 win against Bologna only confirms that Montepaschi is far ahead of the remainder in Italian club play. Worse yet, Siena’s dominance in its home country – unlike that of, say, Maccabi Tel Aviv or FC Barcelona – does not necessarily translate into serious contention for a Euroleague title, particularly if the Italians’ two convincing losses against Barça are any indication.
Whatever the medium- and long-term effects of Montepaschi winning in second consecutive Coppa (that’s in two years of the competition’s existence), those Siena dudes still play some nice-looking basketball. Highlights from the final follow the break.
