Autosped is solid, progresses and beats Roseto
Autosped BCC Derthona-Panthers Roseto 86-77
(20-19, 41-40, 61-56)
Scoreboards:
BCC Derthona: Dotto 6, Kunaiyi 21, Fontaine 10, Conte 22, Toffolo 2, Leonardi, Fondren 17, Arado 0, Suarez 2, Cocuzza 0, Melchiori 6, Penna. Coach: Cutugno
Roseto: Puisis 9, Lucantoni 2, Nativi, Moroni 6, Caloro 6, Espedale 11, Verlasevic 7, Bura 8, Coser 6, Ustby 22. Coach Righi
Autosped BCC Derthona earned their third consecutive league victory against Roseto, playing an intense and precise game, resisting the opposition's attempts to break away in the first half and taking control of the scoreline midway through the third quarter. In the final period, Cutugno's team scored a break that broke the deadlock, resisted Roseto's attempted comeback, and earned their first home win of the season. Leading the Giraffes were Conte (22 points), Kunaiyi (21 points, 13 rebounds), and Fondren (17 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists). Fontaine also scored in double figures (10).
BCC got off to a flying start in the first quarter: Cutugno's team, thanks to excellent shooting accuracy, reached a double-digit lead (17-7). After the visitors called a timeout, Roseto responded and closed the gap to just one point (20-19) in the 10th minute. In the second quarter, the visitors took the lead and attempted to extend their lead, but Autosped responded with a resounding display and, with the plays of Kunaiyi, Fontaine, and Fondren, led 41-40 at halftime.
After returning from the locker rooms, the game continued along the same lines as the first half, with runs and counter runs on both sides: in the closing stages, BCC made a mini-run that brought the lead to +5 (61-56) at the 30th minute. At the start of the final quarter, Cutugno's team attempted to definitively break the deadlock, extending their lead to over double digits (78-66 at the 35th minute) thanks to great defensive intensity, energetic plays, and fast-break baskets. After producing a great effort, Autosped suffered a reaction from the Panthers, who reduced the gap play after play, reaching -5 (82-77) entering the final minute of the game. The Giraffes' composure and clarity in managing decisive possessions allowed them to secure the victory with a score of 86-77.
Coach's comment Orazio Cutugno: "I'd like to start by congratulating the entire staff and the girls because we played a tough game against a team that remained close in the score. We played the game we wanted, limiting their runs and counterattacks. We'll take the two points and keep working.".
The words of Cornelia Fondren: "I think we played a good team game, resisting the opponents' comeback attempts and showing great energy on the court. I was excited and a little nervous about this game, but the girls and the staff helped me because it's never easy to make changes during the course of the season. I'm happy to be here and to be back in Italy. I'm here to play my basketball and be of help and encouragement to my teammates as well..
