UCC Casalpusterlengo 96 Derthona Basket 89
One step away from the business. Today's performance from coach Cavina's boys can be summarized like this: despite the heavy absences of Simoncelli and Marks and Ammannato recovering at the last minute, they remain in front until 5 from the end when the score reads 66 to 78. Hence the aggressive reaction of the hosts and the lack of oxygen due to the limited rotations, which is why Cavina throws his young players into the fray who respond presently but all this is not enough to bring home the two points.
Coach Finelli's team got off to a strong start immediately and, driven by Jackson's triples, achieved a 14-0 break after Bianchi's early basket; the guests try to react with the long players, but Vencato, on the pitch in place of a dull Fultz, is often an unsolved puzzle and allows the Lombards to control until the first siren which reads 27-17.
The second quarter opens with a lot of confusion in the attack of the Lodi players, but at the same time Tortona is unable to get closer until a minibreak of 6-0 is worth -2 for Cavina's men who regain the advantage with the bomb of a wild player Crimes; the Juventus n.8 and Sandri begin to respond to each other from the arc, and the Piedmontese end the first half ahead 40-43.
Balanced third quarter where neither team manages to extend the lead and before the final quarter we are at 60-62.
After a few minutes of balance, Spissu and Brooks place two very heavy bombs for the Juventus +12 which seems to give the right push but this is where the game changes.
Chiumenti takes Assigeco on his shoulders, who increases the defensive intensity, putting coach Cavina's quintet in difficulty and starting to lack oxygen and clarity.
A triple from Chiumenti himself is worth -2; the game is now a trickle of free throws that keep the teams attached. Unfortunately Spissu and Reati score 1/2 and in the end the hosts find extra time.
Here the problems of fouls also begin to arise for Tortona, the strength is no longer there and Assigeco finally closes the score at 96-89.
Assigeco Casalpusterlengo: Austin, Jackson 25, Donzelli, Dincic ne, Poletti 12, Chiumenti 19, Sandri 19, Rota ne, Fultz 3, Bordato ne, Vencato 15, Rossato 3.
Rebounds: 40 (Poletti 14); Assists: 16 (Fultz 7); T2: 19/44; T3: 12/25; TL: 22/26;
Orsi Tortona: Spissu 17, Reati 23, Ammannato 7, Brooks 24, Antonietti, Bianchi 6, Simoncelli 6, Garri 12, Maghet, Riva, Gay, Markus ne.
Rebounds: 33 (Garri 8); Assists: 14 (Spissu 6); T2: 18/34 T3: 12/28 TL: 17/20
