Varese’s heart beats strong again: Nikolic carries Openjobmetis to victory as Roma falls in overtime.

Masnago finds its smile again after a spectacular battle. The game ended 110–103 against Rome, with Openjobmetis showing the ability to endure, react, and rediscover the determination that has always been the soul of basketball in Varese.

Some victories are worth far more than just two points in the standings—victories that arrive when legs feel heavy, the tension becomes unbearable, and every possession threatens to turn into a disaster. The win secured by Openjobmetis Varese against Rome falls squarely into this category.

On Saturday evening, the arena in Masnago hosted the kind of game that reminds you why you love basketball. With 110 points scored, an overtime period, and a crowd swept up in a contest where neither side was willing to surrender, it was a night to remember.

Stefan Nikolic took center stage, delivering a truly stellar performance. Playing with great personality, he became the focal point for a team in desperate need of renewed confidence and stability. He provided more than just points; he brought presence, character, and the willingness to take responsibility when it mattered most.

His performance seemed to rekindle that “Balkan spirit”—a quality that has always held a special significance in Varese. It is a basketball culture defined by talent, pride, and tenacity—perfectly captured by the phrase: *Nema predaje*. No surrender.

Rome deserves credit for staying in the fight, forcing the hosts to go beyond the regulation forty minutes. But when the match reached its decisive phase, Varese found the energy—and, above all, the conviction—needed to secure the win. Alongside Nikolic, Ikangi also made a valuable contribution—the kind of less flashy, yet fundamental work required to maintain balance and intensity. It was a victory built on a collective effort, a point highlighted by coach Ioannis Kastritis, who expressed his satisfaction with the determination shown by his players.

On the other side, Marco Magro identified a lack of composure as one of the key factors that prevented Rome from pulling off the upset.

For Varese, however, the significance of this evening goes beyond technical analysis. Following recent struggles and missed opportunities, the team needed a concrete response. Playing well for long stretches or coming close to a win was no longer enough; they needed an actual victory.

And this time, Varese delivered.

Naturally, a game ending 110-103 also raises questions. Conceding over a hundred points means there is still plenty of work to be done on the defensive end. Defensive solidity, possession management, and maintaining consistency throughout the full forty minutes are all areas that Kastritis will need to address. While enthusiasm shouldn’t mask these issues, it can serve as the necessary catalyst to tackle them.

Perhaps the most important takeaway is this: Openjobmetis has finally translated its desire to bounce back into a win.

And as Masnago celebrates, the image of Nikolic remains—a symbol of an evening where character complemented talent.

The wind from the East has returned to blow through Masnago. And this time, it has brought a victory with it.

*Nema predaje*, Stefan. *Nema predaje*, Varese.

Written by Matteo Averna