Derthona seeks redemption against Trieste: "A team clearly improving."
This is the second consecutive home game for Bertram Derthona Tortona, who host Pallacanestro Trieste, eager to bounce back after their loss to APU Old Wild West Udine. The game, scheduled for Sunday, February 8th at 17:30 PM, will be broadcast free of charge on LBAT extension.
How do the two teams arrive?
As mentioned, the team coached by Mario Fioretti is looking for redemption after the defeat (79 - 80) of Round 18 of LBA Serie A Unipol against APU Old Wild West Udine.
In a match characterized by great plays from both sides, Adriano Vertemati's men ultimately prevailed thanks to an icy three-pointer from Mirza Alibegovic.
Today's guest is a Pallacanestro Trieste team that's improving after a difficult start to the season. Israel Gonzalez's team has won three consecutive games, the last of which (84-76) against Treviso.
In Europe, the red and whites reached the Round of 16 of the Basketball Champions League, even defeating Gran Canaria on the road. They're coming off a loss to Nymburk at PalaTrieste.
The first leg against Pallacanestro Trieste
Despite reaching an 18-point lead in the first quarter, Derthona failed to emerge victorious from PalaTrieste. Bertram, despite being led by Justin Gorham's double-double (16 points and 12 rebounds) and 17 points each from Christian Vital and Arturs Strautins, lost 91-81.
Andrea Vicenzutto's point
As usual, the game was introduced by one of Mario Fioretti's assistants. "It's certainly unpleasant to lose a game because of an incident like that late shot against Udine, but that's basketball. When it comes down to a point-for-point finale, it can happen," says Andrea Vicenzutto.
"From the boys' reaction standpoint, there was nothing different than usual during the week; this is a group that has always trained very well, and this week was no exception. The boys put in a great week of work, and what happened against Udine probably gave us even more energy," he added.
In the first leg, Bertram was dealt a cold shower despite a strong start. "Playing at PalaTrieste is never easy, and we experienced it firsthand. Despite a splendid start, Trieste played a top-notch second half," he says.
"Not only did he come back, but he won a game that we had very well in control in the first quarter. We have to be good at preventing this from happening again at home. We must not let Trieste light up with their offensive transitions, limit one-on-ones with their most talented players, and above all, we must be solid in the defensive possessions that will count."
“I'm sure that the support of our fans will give us a big hand in playing a very competitive match again,” continues Mario Fioretti's assistant coach, who also emphasizes the growth of Israel Gonzalez's team in recent weeks.
Trieste is a team that's clearly improving. They've been doing very well lately. They've recovered many of their injured players who were out in recent weeks; everyone will likely be back, except for Davide Moretti. We expect a very experienced, well-coached team that makes talent one of its main assets. They're definitely not an opponent to underestimate,” he concludes.
DERTHONA BASKET SCHOOL CUP During halftime, the first edition of the Derthona Basket School Cup will be presented, which, starting February 24th, will involve nine local high schools in the basketball tournament strongly supported by the Club. The teams from the various schools will take to the court to receive their team's official game jersey from Leo, Derthona Basket's official mascot.
IMPROVED SHUTTLE SERVICE In addition to departures to and from the center of Tortona, which will once again be able to use the dedicated lane on the slip road near the bridge over the Scrivia River, the free shuttle service to Park D in San Guglielmo—near Bar Autostop—will be reinstated. This service is highly recommended for those arriving by car, especially given the potential weather warning for matchday. For the match against the Giulianova team, the post-match shuttle service will depart from the Away Sector Parking Lot, located near exits 13 and 14 of the Nova Arena. This solution will avoid any queues at the exit by taking advantage of the immediate exit onto Provincial Road 211 in front of the arena.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Ciamillo-Castoria Agency)
