Bertram's playoff sprint starts again from the leader Trapani. Coach De Raffaele's words
Six days to get back into the top eight of the standings. Bertram Derthona Tortona's sprint towards the end of the regular season resumes tomorrow, Saturday 5 April, with the home challenge against the league leaders Trapani Shark, arriving at the PalaEnergica Paolo Ferraris in Casale Monferrato at 20:30 for the 25th day of the Serie A Unipol. With the streak of 8 victories between the league and the Champions League interrupted and awaiting game-1 of the quarterfinals in Tenerife against the only undefeated team in the European cup, the Serie A menu also reserves another match for the black and white team against an opponent belonging to the highest level of the competition.
TRAPANI A unique newcomer, after four straight wins, the Sicilian team is also coming off a defeat, on the hardwood in Sassari (92-80). This defeat cost them first place alone, but they remain at the top of the table, given that, due to their head-to-head standings, they currently stand ahead of the other two leaders, Virtus Bologna and Brescia, tied with Trapani on 34 points. Along with coach Jasmin Repesa's vast talent, Bertram can also rely on the knowledge of having already beaten them. With their 84-78 victory at the end of October, Derthona was the only team, along with Bologna, capable of conquering the PalaShark. This memory provides strength, along with the unity of a group that is aiming to get back into the playoff zone, where they spent 13 straight rounds before dropping out last Sunday due to unfavorable head-to-head matches against Reggio Emilia and Venezia, the other teams with 28 points.
MATCH SPONSOR: Simecom will be the match sponsor for the match against Trapani. A partner of the Juventus club again this season, the electricity and gas company, which has been active in the energy sector for over 70 years, will display a team poster on all the seats in the arena. Its stand will also feature a selfie box where anyone taking a photo will receive a keychain with the dual Derthona and Simecom logos. For the halftime DB Game, the energy company will present the winner with an official, autographed Christian Vital jersey.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Before the start of the match and during half-time, tickets will be available for purchase at the ticket office for the second home game of the quarter-finals against La Laguna Tenerife, scheduled for Wednesday 16 April at 6:30 pm.
STATEMENTS “Trapani is a long team with a lot of talent, they're having a great season ,” says coach Walter De Raffaele . “We'll have to try to limit both their ability to punish you in the open field with many players and turnovers, as well as countering them with a significant physical impact. The end of the season? We'll take it one game at a time, including the cup matches. Injuries, physical condition, and the mental presence of each player will make the difference.”
DERTHONA FOR TOGO CHILDREN AND TORTONA DOG KILLER Several social initiatives have been set up for tomorrow's match. In the space next to the Curva Sud of the PalaEnergica stadium, the Ignesa ODV association will be setting up a stand to raise funds to support orphaned and vulnerable children in Togo. This will provide them with basic necessities, education, and assistance, thus ensuring dignified living conditions and the hope of a better future. In collaboration with Animals Angels Novi, a stand will also be set up to sell personalized Derthona Easter eggs (€25 each), with proceeds going to the Tortona dog shelter. The proceeds from the €3 lottery will also go to the same shelter. The lottery will be drawn during the home match against Tenerife and will award five prizes, including a giant 6kg egg for the winning ticket.
