Defeat in the sprint for Bertram Yachts Derthona who, in a low-scoring match, fell towards the end against a polished Piacenza, who relied on Carberry and McDuffie in the decisive possessions. The Lions try to make the decisive push in the match midway through the last quarter, before suffering a comeback and subsequent overtaking by the guests, who take an important victory.
Balanced first minutes of the match at the PalaOltrepò: after the favorable start in Piacenza the Lions come back into contact at the end of the half (14-16). In the second period, largely led by Assigeco, Bertram reached 30 points with Sanders' basket in the last seconds of the game. In the third quarter Derthona's defensive impact grows, digging a small gap with Sanders and Tavernelli and closing ahead 47-45 in the 30th minute. In the final period the match proceeds in fits and starts, between partials and against partials: McDuffie and Carberry push Piacenza up to 60-64 entering the last minute of the game. Mascolo, in penetration, is unable to shorten the lead, McDuffie and Sanders again move the score (63-66 with 14 seconds to go), but it is Carberry's free throws and Sanders' subsequent error that set the final score at 63-68.
