National Finals: Derthona's U19 Excellence team among the top four in Italy
Nex Fulgor Fidenza – Allianz Derthona Tortona 77-90
(14-28, 29-21, 20-20, 14-21)
Fidenza: Carnevale 3, Stuerdo n/a, Adorni n/a, Placinschi 11, Mane 12, Wade 3, Sangermano, Ghidini 9, Pezzani 22, Catellani n/a, Scardoni 5, Obase 12. Coach Marallo
Derthona: Fogliato 17 (5/6 two-pointers, 2/3 three-pointers, 6 rebounds), Solazzi, Bottelli 22 (6/8 free throws, 5/8 two-pointers, 6 rebounds), Chikal n/a, Obakhavbaye 3, Di Meo 17 (4/4 free throws, 5/8 two-pointers, 6 rebounds), Bresciani, Borasi n/a, Pisati, Coulibaly 4 (8 rebounds), Josovic 27 (7/10 free throws, 11 rebounds), Furfaro. Coach: Fanaletti, assistant: Roncari, Lombardi.
Referees : Giovagnini, Mammola, Toffali.
Derthona's U19 Excellence team is among the TOP FOUR IN ITALY!!!
The Allianz Derthona Tortona Under-19 Excellence team achieved a remarkable feat, securing a spot in the National Semifinals by defeating Nex Fulgor Fidenza after a tense and hard-fought match at the PalaTiziano in Rome. This marked the Bianconeri's second qualification to the top four in Italy in the last three years.
The Tortona team took center stage early in the game, imposing a high tempo on both halves of the court. Fidenza responded in the second quarter, led by three-pointers from Pezzani, the only player in double figures at the time, and pulled within three points (36-33 at the 15th minute). Derthona attempted to extend the lead with a 6-0 run, but Parma stayed in the game and tied the score at 43 with one minute to go. Toward the end of the first half, Bottelli's three-pointer and Fogliato's three-point play allowed Fidenza to go into halftime ahead 49-43.
In the third quarter, Fidenza returned with renewed energy and scored a 10-3 run to restore the tie. Coach Fanaletti's team, however, remained focused and compact, finding important answers, especially under the basket, thanks to the impact of Coulibaly and Fogliato. The quarter was thus still ahead, 69-63.
In the final quarter, Derthona took definitive control of the game. Josovic and Bottelli led the attack, while Fogliato continued to dominate under the boards. With two minutes left, the Bianconeri led 87-77, then held onto their advantage until Fogliato's final three-pointer sealed the game.
Several Derthona players put in strong performances: Marco Fogliato, who came off the bench to make a decisive late run, finished with 17 points (5-of-6 two-pointers, 2-of-3 three-pointers) and 6 rebounds; Josovic had a double-double with 27 points and 11 rebounds; Bottelli (22 points and 6 assists) and Di Meo (17 points) also made strong offensive contributions.
With this victory, Allianz Derthona has secured its place in the Scudetto semi-finals, securing its place among the top four teams in Italy.
The team will return to the court tomorrow, Saturday, June 6th, at 15:30 PM at PalaTiziano for the semifinal against Gorla Energia Pallacanestro Cantù. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sport Basket (channel 205) and on the Italbasket YouTube channel.
In the other semifinal at 17:30 pm, Vis 2008 Ferrara will face off against BCC Emilbanca Virtus Bologna.
