Fioretti: "Qualifying for the playoffs with four rounds to spare is a joy we shouldn't have taken for granted."
Breaking the 100-point barrier for the fifth time in the league and, more importantly, with a 19-point lead on the scoreboard, Bertram Derthona Tortona sealed their return to the Nova Arena in style after two consecutive road games. Their 103-84 victory over Dolomiti Energia Trentino also mathematically secured their spot in the playoffs, where the Tortona club returns for the fourth time in five appearances in the top national tournament, after missing last season.
In the press conference, coach Mario Fioretti was clearly satisfied with what his team had shown on the court until just before: "After a completely even first quarter against a very solid Trento, we put together a great run in the second period that started to turn the game in our favor. But, honestly, throughout the game, we were able to do what we wanted on offense against various defenses, involving more or less everyone. This is the truly positive aspect, combined with the fact that we limited them on rebounds, which is what they do best. Trento is a talented, well-coached team that doesn't give up, as demonstrated by their comeback from within six points at the end, reopening a game that seemed over. However, in a minute and a half, we managed to get them back on track and with the right spirit."
A sparkling Bertram made the team forget the two consecutive defeats in Varese and Treviso they were recovering from: "The team still has some improvements to make, and in a championship like this, when you go to a pitch like Varese and Treviso against an opponent who was playing for their lives, you have to have that toughness that we still lack, especially in defense. We're building something, but we still lack that experience, even though we've been together for a long time. However, these were two games where we played on equal terms; the thing we paid for most in both matches was a few too many errors in defense, while today, in that respect, we were much more focused."
Finally, the inevitable subject of reaching the playoffs comes up: "It's a joy that can't be taken for granted. The league is at such a high level—just look at the current standings—that qualifying for the playoffs with four games to spare is a great achievement for the lads and the club. After reaching the Coppa Italia final, where we also fought hard to win, this result is truly a great satisfaction, because there are some really strong teams below us in the standings, and I won't even mention the ones ahead of us."
