Bitter debut for Allianz Derthona in the Next Gen Cup 24/25: forced to give in against an excellent Pistoia
Pistoia Extra – Allianz Derthona Tortona 79-64
(26-11, 21-17, 11-23, 21-13)
Pistoia: Fabi, Stoch 22, Chiti, Mongelli 2, Pinelli, Novori 20, Santi 2, Cecconi 5, Grieco 6, Piccirilli 10, Keita 12. Coach Perrotta.
Derthona: Cissè 7 (8 rb), Brizzi, Lisini 4, Aprile 19 (3/6 from three, 19 val), Farias 15 (2/4 from three, 8 fouls sub), Fogliato 2, Korlatovic, Diodati 4, Bazan 5, W. Bellinaso, Albertinazzi, Josovic 8. Coach Ansaloni, assistant Fanaletti, Lombardi.
Referees: Pelicans, Rojaz, Corrias.
Allianz Derthona was defeated in its debut in the IBSA Next Gen Cup 24/25 in the opening stage of Varese. An excellent Estra Pistoia beat them at the Itelyum Arena, in control throughout the match.
The first quarter was uphill for the Lions, who, after a balanced start, suffered the Tuscans' pressure and immediately went down with the score, with a deficit of -15 after only 10 minutes, 11-26. The second quarter followed the same trend, with the black and white team struggling to find rhythm, losing too many balls. Pistoia took advantage of this, thanks also to its high scoring percentage, closing on 47-28 at the long interval.
Upon returning to the court, dragged by the baskets of Farias, Aprile (pictured during the challenge) and the excellent defense deployed, a super Derthona drops a partial of 11-0, returning to the game. Pistoia tries and succeeds in maintaining control with Novori, ending the third period ahead at 58-51. In the last one, a good start by Tortona, which reduces the gap to -4, playing everything in the last five minutes of the game. Despite the numerous opportunities to tie or even take the lead, Pistoia resists and, thanks to a return to the double-digit advantage, conquers the final victory with the score of 79-64.
Allianz will return to the field tomorrow at 13.30pm against Napolibasket for the second day of Group A.
