Allianz Derthona vice champion of the IBSA Next Gen Cup 2024/25: knocked out in the final again against Milan
Allianz Derthona Tortona – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 68-87
(11-17, 36-42, 54-63)
Allianz Derthona: Cissè 16 (4/8 two-pointers, 5/6 free throws, 8 reb.), Brizzi, Lisini, Aprile 2, Farias 9 (15 reb., 7 ast., 8 fouls sub.), Fogliato ne, Korlatovic, Di Meo 2, Bellinaso 8, Bazan 24 (5/5 free throws), Albertinazzi ne, Josovic 6 (9 reb.). Coach Ansaloni, Assistant Fanaletti, Lombardi.
Milan: Alberti no, Casella 2, Karem 5, Toffain 9, Youssef 8, Suigo 20, Lonati 12, Garavaglia 21, Cortellino no, Ceccato, D'Amelio 5, Van Elswyk 5. Coach Catalani.
Referees: Fourth, Toffali, Mammoli
Allianz Derthona Tortona is vice-champion of the IBSA Next Gen Cup 2024/25 of Legabasket for the second consecutive year, surrendering once again in the final against Olimpia Milano.
The game started uphill for Allianz, who relied on their Italian/Argentine playmaker Farias, who tried to keep the black and white team afloat with his feats, but Milan immediately extended its lead to a double-digit advantage (4-14 in the 7th minute). With Cissè's entry onto the court, Allianz picked up a few points, falling behind again, but Lonati's three-pointer allowed the Milanese team to close the first period ahead by two possessions (11-17). The first Tortona advantage came from Bazan's free throws, bringing the score to 25-24. Milan responded promptly, taking a slight lead again, but Tortona once again blocked Milan's advance, scoring with Bazan and Bellinaso: with three fundamental three-pointers just before the buzzer, the teams went into the long interval with the score at 36-42 in favor of EA7.
In the first part of the second half Tortona struggles against Milan's attacks, which extends again to +15. A three-point play by Farias and a free throw by Cissè, close the gap to 54-63 at the 30th. The excellent start to the fourth quarter by Allianz, led by the best scorer of the game Bazan (24 points), reduces the gap to just two points. Immediate response by Milan who with Lonati and Suigo takes off again, entering the target score zone, set at 87 points, in the lead 64-79. The game ends with Garavaglia's basket that seals the victory for the Milanese team.
Bruno Farias closes with 9 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists (23 rating) that make him win the award for Best Assistman of the tournament. Good performance also by Adriano Bazan who with his 24 points confirms himself as the best scorer of the match, giving his contribution to the team in the attempt to come back.
Despite the defeat, Allianz can look to the future with confidence, after two qualifying stages concluded as winner of their group and 8 wins out of 10 games. Now the black and white team is ready to dive back into the championship, trying to secure the first two positions of the National Group 4, which would guarantee direct qualification to the National Finals of U19 Eccellenza.
