U19 Ecc National Finals, a bitter debut for Derthona who lost to Milan only after overtime
Allianz Derthona – EA7 Olimpia Milano 92-100 (aet)
(20-20, 24-23, 23-15, 17-26, 8-16)
Derthona: Fogliato 8 (6 reb), Solazzi, Bottelli 21 (3/5 two-pointers, 9/13 free throws), Chikal ne, Obakhavbaye, Di Meo 14, Bresciani 7, Borasi, Pisati 6 (7 reb), Bellinaso 6, Coulibaly 10 (9 reb), Josovic 20 (6/14 two-pointers, 5/7 free throws, 4 ast, 7 reb). Coach Talpo, Assistant Fanaletti, Lombardi
EA7 Milan: Costaglione 12, Toffanin 7, Chauveau, Chouenkam 7, Youssef 5, Niang, Bandirali 7, Cortellino 4, Ceccato 35, Grassi 8, Pillepich ne, Gulic 15. Coach Catalani
Tortona had a disappointing debut at the Under-19 Excellence National Finals. The Lions played a solid first half, managing to maintain control despite Milan's constant setbacks and counter-sets. At halftime, the score was 44-43 in favor of the Piedmontese team.
Upon returning from the locker room, Tortona attempted to turn the game around, making a significant run and causing problems for the Milanese, especially in transition, slowing down the opponents' offensive pace. Leading the Bianconeri attack was the Bottelli-Josovic duo, who were the undisputed stars with 19 and 16 points, the only two in double figures so far, pushing Tortona to a maximum lead of +9. In the final quarter, Coach Talpo's players continued to work hard on defense, but the Lombardy team didn't give up and gradually managed to close the gap. With five minutes left, Tortona led 74-66 thanks to a crucial three-pointer by Coulibaly, but another Milan run completely reopened the game. With two minutes left, Milan tied the score, setting up a thrilling finale.
In the final possessions, everything happened: Milan took the lead with just seconds left, but Tortona refused to give up. Di Meo closed the gap to two with one second left, then a Milanese turnover gave the Bianconeri one last chance, but they couldn't capitalize. On the next play, Bellinaso staged a sensational comeback and scored the tying basket at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, the game was evenly matched in the early stages, but Milan mounted a decisive 6-0 run in the final minutes that definitively settled the match. Tortona attempted a comeback with Di Meo from the arc, but was unsuccessful, while Ceccato sealed the win for the Lombardy team from the free throw line. The match ended with a score of 92-100 in favor of Olimpia Milano, after an intense and closely contested match right down to the last second.
Tomorrow the black and whites will return to the field for the second matchday, scheduled for 20pm at Pala Tiziano, against Pallacanestro Cantù
