Derthona 86 Barcelona 78
Tortona returns to victory at the end of a game that was at times not beautiful but exciting and fought until the last possession which was decided only after extra time with the score 86 – 78.
The guests come out of the blocks better and the first attempt to reach is outside thanks to an excellent Fallucca at 10 to 18 but the first period ends 20 – 23.
In the second quarter Spissu makes 1 of 2 from the foul line but at that point Smith comes on, well supported by Bianconi and Fallucca. A partial of 10 to 0 arrives for the away team 21 to 33. Tortona struggles in attack but 4 consecutive points from Brooks, the first and only triple from Reati allow the home team to reach the half-time at minus 2 with the scoreboard reading 38 to 40.
In the third quarter the boys try to intensify their defensive efforts by recovering ball after ball even if they are often not converted into points and try to stretch the ball. 60 to 52 at the end of the third period.
The hosts seem quite in control but after a questionable technical foul on Simoncelli, a triple by Smith and a basket and foul converted by Loubeau bring the guests back to within 2. Tortona starts again and with one minute left the scoreboard reads 71 to 64.
Fallucca from 2, Smith from 3 and Smith again who after 0 out of 2 on free throws managed to take the offensive rebound and equalize almost at the siren. 7 to 0 away, Spissu doesn't score and it's overtime.
Spissu immediately makes a triple, then Garri attacks the basket and extends. The guests believed in it until the end but coach Cavina's boys managed the possessions and closed the match with a score of 86-78.
Tortona Bears – La Briosa Barcellona
(20 – 23); (38–40); (60 – 52); (71 – 71); (86 – 78).
Scoreboards and partial scores
THE BRIVE BARCELONA: Pettineo Ne Centanni 1, Smith 26, Fallucca 15, Loubeau 16, Capitanelli 1, Bianconi 11, Cefarelli 4, Migliori ne, Maccaferri 4; Coach: Maurizio Bartocci
TORTONA BEARS: Spissu 9, Maghet ne, Riva ne, Antonietti ne, Marks 16, Reati 9, Bianchi; Markus ne, Simoncelli 10, Garri 19, Ammannato, Brooks 23, Coach: Demis Cavina
