
Autosped heart writes history: Geas beaten in overtime, after an incredible comeback and it's the Final Four of the Italian Cup
Autosped BCC Derthona-Geas Sesto San Giovanni 84-80
(14-24, 38-42, 50-65, 71-71)
Scoreboards:
BCC Derthona: Dotto 15, Marangoni, Fontaine 18, Milani, Premasunac 2, Leonardi 2, Zahui B. 22, Arado 6, Attura 16, Melchiori ne, Penna 3, Gatti ne. All. Cutugno
Geas: Moore 22, Conti 8, Gustavsson 2, Makurat 24, Trucco 6, Minora black, Gwathmey 9, Orsili, Ostoni, Spreafico 6, De Lise black, Conte 3. Coach Zanotti
Autosped BCC Derthona writes a new wonderful chapter in its history, achieving qualification for the Coppa Italia Final Four in its first year in the top division, at the end of an incredible match against Geas Sesto San Giovanni. The team coached by Cutugno, after a balanced first half, suffers the tear operated by the guests but does not lose its composure and scores a legendary comeback, recovering fifteen points in the last quarter and forcing overtime. In the final head to head, it is the plays of Attura that give the victory, and qualification for the Turin event, to the Giraffe. Worth noting is the great debut of Amanda Zahui B (22 points), who arrived in the group only three days ago, the double double of a very solid Fontaine (18 points and 13 rebounds), and the plays of Attura (16 points) and Dotto (15) to crown a superlative choral victory, managed to perfection by coach Cutugno and his staff.
First quarter with two faces at the Cittadella dello Sport: Autosped hits it well, finding in Fontaine the main terminal of the offensive actions, then Geas leads it exploiting the verve of Makurat and Gwathmey to extend up to 14-24 in the 10th minute. In the second quarter the game proceeds in bursts of the two teams, before in the end Autosped - with great energy - manages to shorten its gap to 4 points at half time (38-42).
Upon returning from the locker rooms, Geas accelerates again, increasing the intensity of their defense and finding energy from offensive rebounds. At the end of the quarter, Makurat's plays are worth the maximum advantage for the guests (50-65 at 30'). But in the last quarter, the Giraffes find resources, energy and heart and significantly increase their tone and, possession after possession, close their gap. The baskets of Makurat and Moore keep Geas ahead, but the final rush driven by an immediately decisive Zahui ignites the Facility of the Cittadella dello Sport and brings BCC to just one possession of detachment. In the tense final, a free throw by Penna following the unsportsmanlike call to Gwathemy ties the game at 71 with 12 seconds to go. Zahui's shot for the win fails to hit the target: it's overtime.
The overtime is a succession of emotions, on both halves of the court: the two teams enter the last minute with the score perfectly tied at 80. A triple by Attura breaks the balance and it is the captain herself, after Geas' errors, who seals the victory with the free throw that sets the final score at 84-80.
The words of Amanda Zahui B: “This match was one of the most fun I’ve ever played, high intensity against a strong and experienced team like Geas. I’m really happy to be part of a roster that never gives up and continues to grow, made up of people who like to share moments”.
Coach's comment Horace Cutugno: "Tonight's game was very beautiful, the intensity of the match was a spectacle. Big compliments to the girls, to my staff and to the management who completed a lightning operation with Zahui. We never stopped playing, not even when we were behind in the score. The defensive aspect turned the game around again, we then managed to make the decisive plays with great quality and personality".