Choral and authoritative, Derthona wins against Scafati
Bertram Derthona-Givova Scafati 89-52
(19-9, 40-23, 70-41)
Scoreboards:
Derthona: Zerini 5, Noua 2, Ross 7, Candi 6, Tavernelli ne, Straūtins 6, Baldasso 19, Severini 11, Obasohan 9, Weems 13, Thomas, Radošević 11. All. De Raffaele
Scafati: Imade, Morvillo ne, Gentile 8, Mouaha, Rossato 8, Logan, Robinson 7, Rivers 7, Nunge 2, Pini 2, Strelnieks ne, Gamble 18. Coach Boniciolli
Bertram Derthona returned to Serie A success, leading Scafati from the start on the final day of the first half of the season. Coached by De Raffaele, the team displayed fluidity and authority, further confirmed by 25 assists on 30 baskets (83.3%) and four players scoring in double figures (Baldasso, Weems, Severini, and Radošević). Further proof of the Bianconeri's solidity over the forty minutes played was the mere 52 points conceded by the league's second-best offense (86.4 points per game so far). Also noteworthy was Colbey Ross 's 12 assists , a record for a Derthona player in Serie A.
Convinced and convincing first quarter from Bertram, who after the first few minutes of balance takes command of the operations and the score: three triples from Baldasso worth the lead (19-9) in the 10th minute. In the second half, Derthona extended their favorable momentum, continuing to play fluidly and extending their lead up to +18 (29-11). At the end of the first half, it was the three-point baskets from Severini and Baldasso that repelled Givova's attempts to return: at half-time the Bianconeri were ahead 40-23.
The 14-2 at the start of the third quarter - helped by triples from Weems, Severini and Radošević (2) - sent the Lions flying up to +29 (54-25), further inflaming the PalaEnergica crowd. As the period continued, Bertram kept its margin unchanged and closed the lead 70-41 in the 30th minute. In the last partial the Bianconeri widened the gap again and prevailed 89-52.
Coach Walter De Raffaele said after the match: "It was an important victory for the players, the staff, the fans, and, last but not least, the owners. We dedicate this success to the grandfather of our captain Riccardo Tavernelli, who passed away during the week. Tonight, we had great consistency in defense for the forty minutes, with everyone contributing and sharing the ball in attack. Today's defensive approach is essential, because it is the result of desire, sacrifice, and willingness to do so; helping each other can allow us to win games even with lower scores. We leave for Istanbul tonight, and for that we have to thank the owners. For Tuesday, we will have to recharge our batteries, knowing we will be playing in a very heated environment: we will have to make a physical impact and try to put some pep in Galatasaray's wheels. "
