Derthona-Scafati 82-75: the news
Derthona 82
Scafati 75
Derthona Basket: Greene 12, Cosey 24, Alviti 2, Ricci 4, Sanna 10, Taverna ne, Conti 2, Mascherpa 6, Garri 14, Apuzzo ne, Cucci 8. Coach Demis Cavina
Basket Scafati: Dobbins 18, Di Palma ne, Crow 12, Izzo ne, Lupusor 8, Fantoni 4, Naimy 11, Ammannato 5, Jackson 17, Santiangeli. Annex Pertichizzi
Referees: Moretti, Pierantozzi, Callea
Note. First half: Partials: 19-18, 19-19, 21-13, 23-25. Spectators: approximately 1800.
TORTONA. PalaOltrepò sold out for the return to the home of the Lions which coincides with the return to victory with Scafati (82-75). The pace is immediately high, Derthona's first point is from Greene in penetration followed by a support from Garri and a transition from Cosey: 6-0 start from Tortona. Scafati tries to come back immediately with Fantoni and Lupusor, but halfway through the first quarter Derthona tries another mini break with a bomb from Greene and Cosey (15-8). Jackson also adds his signature to the match by bringing the visiting yellow-blues back within a shot. Cavina immediately uses the bench extensively by inserting Alviti, Cucci and Mascherpa. Crow scores three free throws (foul from the arc by Cucci), Conti steals as soon as he enters and goes on the counterattack, suffering an unsportsmanlike foul from Jackson. The first quarter ends 19-18 for the Lions.
Scafati scores from long range with Crow and is ahead 21-19 for the first time. Cosey and then Garri take care of it from long range to bring the match back to parity when four minutes have passed (25-25). Counter break for the guests with a 6-0 run (the former Ammanato and Crow) and Cavina is forced to call a time-out. Halfway through the second quarter, Derthona can't find good shots and goes into a prolonged break, suffering a 12-0 break (35-25). But Cavina's boys come back to attack with Cucci and a nice three-point game from Sanna (34-37). The Lions defended strongly before the break, scored a break of their own (13-2) and a basket on the counterattack by Conti completed the comeback: at the end of the first half the home team was up 38-37.
The third period begins and Sanna scores five consecutive points, the game is tied when three minutes have passed (42-42). Naimy scores on a stop and shot, from the other step back by Cosey. The match remains balanced in the central phase of the third period until Derthona tries to escape (52-45). Scafati doesn't give up, but Cosey goes on his own and scores three consecutive stops (56-50). It ends 59-50, the Lions' biggest advantage with a partial score of 21-13 in the period.
Derthona holds on at the start of the last period supported by the PalaOltrepò crowd. Dobbins scores from the corner, Jackson takes advantage of a loose ball in the paint area (61-55). A breath of fresh air from Greene first from three and then on the counterattack: the lead becomes double figures (68-57). But Jackson isn't up for it and the game isn't over yet with 3'50'' left to go (70-63). Mascherpa fouls in attack and Scafati takes another small step forward, coming back into contact with Lupusor's tap in and two free throws from Naimy (70-67). Scafati's score is 10-2. Garri scores on one side and Jackson from three (72-70), but a three-point play by Cosey brings Derthona back to +5. Assist by Cosey for Garri and with one minute left Derthona leads 78-70. The first hard-earned victory arrives on the return leg in Voghera 82-75.
Demis Cavina: “There was no need for my words the day before to warn us of a Scafati team with quality on the perimeter as demonstrated by the eleven three-pointers. It's a match that was won with energy, we did well at the start and then they made the break. We had the ability to finish the second quarter well and then approach the second half well. Our break also came thanks to the defense. It was a tough match with several tactical aspects. We played well on their defense on the pickn'roll. We are a team that plays well offensively when we maintain our defensive intensity. It's never easy to start again after the break and play on a new pitch. We made the match easy thanks to the energy and intensity we maintained. There was an important rebound against a team that has big players."
Giovanni Pertichizzi: “I congratulate Tortona who played a solid match. Ours is a completely rebuilt team, we need to sort things out in defense more than in attack. The team is clearly growing in intensity and play, everyone played with great desire. At the end we could have been more clear at 72-70. A defense could have changed the outcome of the match."
