Bertram Derthona returns to victory at PalaOltrepo'. Givova Scafati defeated 64-60
BERTRAM DERTHONA – GIVOVA SCAFATI 64-60
(17-19, 30-32, 47-44)
BERTRAM DERTHONA: Meluzzi, Stefanelli 7, Quaglia 6, Johnson 11, Sorokas 14, Spanghero 14, Garri 9, Radonjic, Divac ne, Gergati 3, Cremaschi ne, Apuzzo ne. All Pansa
GIVOVA SCAFATI: Lawrence 7, Crow 8, Trapani ne, Spizzichini 5, Romeo 2, Ranuzzi 4, Ammannato 12, Pipitone, Santiangeli 12, Sherrod 10. All Perdichizzi
VOGHERA. Bertram Derthona "conquered" the PalaOltrepo' and gave themselves an excellent Christmas, returning to a victory that was long overdue within their friendly walls. After the great performances away against Biella and Latina, the Lions with a show of pride managed to hold sway over a team with important physical resources despite a somewhat dark evening in terms of three-point percentages. He does it with careful and intense defense and a cynicism that is finally decisive in the final stages of the match.
The former Ammannato broke the deadlock, thus starting the fun American charity initiative, the Teddy Bear Toss. A wave of teddy bears invaded the PalaOltrepo', which applauded heartily at the event. Derthona tries to reply, but Givova's defense manages to stem the conclusions of Johnson and Stefanelli. Quaglia tries to reduce the deficit with two free throws but Santiangeli restores the two-point gap and the first quarter ends 17-19 for the guests. Tortona insists on long-range solutions with Gergati and Meluzzi but the conclusions are still imprecise and the Bianconeri are unable to take the lead. Romeo extends the distance from the line (17-21) and for Tortona the first successful conclusion from the three-point range (0/10 with 7′ to go) continues to be late. Sorokas and Johnson uncorked the basket, allowing the hosts to put their heads ahead for the first time (25-24). Scafati reacts with Lawrence, and the first half ends at 30-32 Scafati. In the third quarter we see a Bertram Derthona with greater vogue in the offensive phase. A more enterprising Quaglia and a Sorokas who also shows great defensive solidity make Derthona emerge with the first real breakthrough of the match. A partial of 17-12 makes Bertram Derthona go to the final stage with a score of 47 to 44 despite the low percentages on both sides. In the fourth quarter Quaglia, Gergati and Sorokas manage to score points with a few flashes but Santiangeli's triple keeps the match still in total uncertainty (53-50). The two teams play point for point with Scafati maintaining the momentum of the match from the line. Stefanelli responds to Ammannato by setting the score at 61-60 with 15" to go. Johnson takes the initiative a few moments from the end and scores the +3 with 10" left; Lawrence is fouled but doesn't score from the line and, on the turnaround in front, Spanghero scores the free throw which gives Derthona a two-possession lead and, effectively, closes the contest.
Edoardo Casalone: “We were playing against a team that we knew was the second best defense in the group. They proved to be a solid team. We scored differently but worked solidly in the defensive phase, conceding only 60 points. Everyone placed their brick. Johnson's game where at the beginning he made 1/6 of threes and in the end he scored 11 points with an important specific weight are the emblem of this. We wanted to win in front of our audience and we also wanted to give this joy to all the children in minibasketball. Another mention goes to Francesco Quaglia where he was able to make an important contribution. For the second time we won the offensive rebounds and this means that the work in the gym pays off. We played against a team in form and we managed to bring home the victory."
