Eurocup quarterfinalists Benetton Bwin and Pepsi Caserta were joined by Cimberio Varese with important wins in the Italian League to remain tied for sixth place at 11-12. With the clash between defending champion Montepaschi Siena and second-placed Armani Jeans Milano postponed, the focus was on the middle of the pack where the aforementioned teams shined. Benetton beat Canadian Solar Bologna 79-71 as Devin Smith and Donatas Motiejunas scored 22 points apiece. It was a 1-point game with five minutes left, but Benetton stayed ahead and Massimo Bulleri and Smith combined to go 5 of 6 from the line in the last minute of the game to wrap up the win. Caserta trounced Vanoli-Braga Cremona 95-79 as Eric Williams scored 18 to lead six Caserta scores in double figures. Timmy Bowers added 17 and both Williams and Bowers grabbed 8 rebounds for the winners. Varese was an 84-78 winner over Lottomatica Roma. The hosts held off a late Roma charge to notch the win. Phil Goss scored 18 and Ronald Slay 17 for Varese, while Vladimir Dasic had