National Finals: Derthona's U19 Excellence team among the top four in Italy
Nex Fulgor Fidenza – Allianz Derthona 77-90
(14-28, 29-21, 20-20, 14-21)
Fidenza: Carnevale 3, Stuerdo ne, Adorni ne, Placinschi 11, Mane 12, Wade 3, Sangermano, Ghidini 9, Pezzani 22, Catellani ne, Scardoni 5, Obase 12. Coach Marallo
Derthona: Fogliato 17 (5/6 from two, 2/3 from three, 6 reb), Solazzi, Bottelli 22 (6/8 from two, 5/8 from two, 6 reb), Chikal ne, Obakhavbaye 3, Di Meo 17 (4/4 from one, 5/8 from two, 6 reb), Bresciani, Borasi ne, Pisati, Coulibaly 4 (8 reb), Josovic 27 (7/10 at tl, 11 reb), Furfaro. All. Fanaletti, Ass. Roncari, Lombardi
Derthona's U19 Excellence team is among the TOP FOUR IN ITALY!!!!!
The Allianz Derthona Under-19 Excellence team achieved a remarkable feat, securing a spot in the National Semifinals by defeating Nex Fulgor Fidenza after a tense and hard-fought match at the Pala Tiziano. This marked the Bianconeri's second qualification to the top four in Italy in the last three years.
The Tortona team took center stage early in the game, imposing a high tempo on both halves of the court. Fidenza responded in the second quarter, led by three-pointers from Pezzani, the only player in double figures at the time, and pulled within three points (33-36 at the 15th minute). Derthona attempted to extend the lead with a 6-0 run, but Parma stayed in the game and tied the score at 43 with one minute to go. Toward the end of the first half, Bottelli's three-pointer and Fogliato's three-point play allowed the Piedmontese team to go into halftime up 49-43.
In the third quarter, Fidenza returned with renewed energy and scored a 10-3 run to restore the tie. Coach Fanaletti's team, however, remained focused and compact, finding important answers, especially under the basket, thanks to the impact of Coulibaly and Fogliato, closing the quarter with a 69-63 lead.
In the final quarter, Derthona took definitive control of the game. Josovic and Bottelli led the attack, while Fogliato continued to dominate under the boards. With two minutes left, the Bianconeri led 87-77, then held onto their advantage until Fogliato's final three-pointer sealed the game.
Several Derthona players put in strong performances: Marco Fogliato, who came off the bench to make a decisive late run, finished with 17 points (5-of-6 two-pointers, 2-of-3 three-pointers) and 6 rebounds; Josovic had a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds; Bottelli (22 points and 6 assists) and Di Meo (17 points) also made strong offensive contributions.
With this victory, Allianz Derthona secures a place in the National Semifinals and secures a place among the top four teams in Italy.
The team will return to the court tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. at Pala Tiziano for the semifinal against Gorla Pallacanestro Cantù. The match will be broadcast live on the Italbasket YouTube channel and on Sky Sport.
