Mens Sana Siena 68 Tortona 70
Great feat for coach Cavina's boys on a "historic" field of Italian basketball. An undertaking that will be added to the one accomplished at Paladozza some time ago.
It seemed like the classic game where a cent was missing to make a euro. Siena is practically always ahead and the Lions are always coming back but without ever giving the impression of being able to overtake.
After Spissu's first two triples, Siena began to get ahead with 7 consecutive points from Roberts and closed the first quarter with a 6-point lead at 25 to 19. Same script in the second quarter: Siena ahead by up to 9 and the guests coming back to within 3 several times before losing contact again. At halftime 45 Siena 39 Tortona with Marks' triple.
In the third quarter the defenses take over the attacks. Siena reaches a double-digit lead for the first time but the lions fight and do not retreat an inch. A shot from Reati and a triple from Spissu close the gap again then Garri scores an important basket. 50 Siena 46 Tortona before the last 10 minutes.
Garri finds parity at 50 to 50 but Tortona also has some foul problems but the face is the right one. Simoncelli from 3 and then Reati with his only 3 basket sealed the tie at 64. Siena loses the ball in attack and Spissu supports the plus 2 on the outside. Udom makes 1 of 2 from the foul line, Brooks makes a mistake in attack but then Bryant loses the ball and Reati coldly scores with two free throws. 65 Siena 68 Tortona with 22 seconds left. Coach Ramagli calls a timeout and on his return Borsato equalizes by 3 in an amen. 20 seconds left. Simoncelli then manages the penetration part and unloads for Garri who is fouled, goes to the line and scores both free throws. Plus two Tortonas at 70 to 68. 3'86” left. Udom shoots but doesn't go. He can start the Juventus party.
Tortona joins Agrigento, Casale, Trapani and Latina on 10 points in second position. Ferentino arrives at PalaOltrepò on Sunday, currently first in the rankings together with Scafati and Agropoli.
MENS SANA BASKET 1871-ORSI TORTONA 68-70 (25-19; 39-33; 50-46)
Siena: Diliegro 9, Ranuzzi 7, Udom 17 (+10 rebounds), Roberts 13, Bryant 7, Borsato 7, Cucci 8, Bucarelli 0.
Tortona: Spissu 16, Reati 9, Marks 3, Ammannato 10, Brooks 10, Bianchi 5, Simoncelli 3, Garri 14.
