Orsi Derthona-Virtus Roma 93-77
CASALE MONFERRATO. In front of around 800 spectators, Derthona beat Roma 93-77 with a last quarter in which they scored 28 points. Cavina starts with Ricci, Garri, Sanna, Greene and Cosey, while Corbani chooses Chessa, Benetti, Brown, Sandri and Raffa. Initial two-man game between Raffa and Brown, for the locals the first two points are the result of a penetration by Greene. In the first minutes little was scored on both sides (4-3 for Roma after six minutes), then Ricci scored five consecutive points (triple and tap in) and Derthona took the lead 8-4. Roma finds difficult spacing, but manages to get many offensive rebounds. Coach Cavina immediately uses the bench and puts Reati, Alviti and Cucci. Greene penetrates, Raffa responds on the opposite side. Reati's triple brings Derthona to +7. Then Roma comes back with a 7-0 run (Maresca protagonist) and the first quarter ends 21-19 (8 points from Greene alone) for Derthona.
The second quarter begins and Brown equalizes (21-21). Mascherpa is aggressive and scores five points off the bench: Derthona leads 30-23. Landi puts Roma down by four points from long range, but Garri is confident and scores a personal run of six points. Roma relies on Brown and Landi, Tortona remains steadily in front when half of the second period has passed with Roma having already wasted the bonus. The Lions have the chance to extend (38-30), but Raffa brings Roma back to three points. In the last minutes Cosey scores two squares and Derthona goes to the long siren 43-38.
The third period begins and Landi and Brown immediately score, but Sanna and Garri respond for the Tortona team. Derthona exploits the mismatches well and reaches the maximum advantage of +9 after 6'40'' from the end of the quarter. Immediate counter-partial results from Raffa (5 points) and Landi (51-50) and Virtus gets back to one point. Tortona tries an extension with Greene with Roma still having foul problems, but the Lions don't have a great feeling with free throws. Final shock from Cosey and the period ends 65-61 for Derthona although Virtus wins the quarter 23-22.
The final period begins and the Lions give an important push to the match with two triples, one by Mascherpa and the other by Alviti and the lead becomes double figures (71-61). Raffa breaks the fast, Roma gets into the zone and Tortona loses some confidence with two consecutive turnovers. Then Cavina chooses the small quintet, the ball circulates for Greene and Cosey who punish Roma from long range and bring the locals to +12 with 5'34'' left. With four minutes to go Tortona is up by 19 points. It ends 93-77 for the Lions who score 28 points in the last quarter.
TORTONA 93
VIRTUS ROMA 77
DERTHONA BEARS: Greene IV 19, Cosey 21, Alviti, Ricci 9, Sanna 2, Reati 7, Conti 1, Mascherpa 15, Ricci F., Garri 9, Billi, Cucci 3. All. Cavina
VIRTUS ROMA: Brown 17, Raffa 18, Benetti, Piccolo, Maresca 15, Chessa 3, Sandri 4, Baldasso 5, Landi 11, Vedovato 4. Coach Fabio Corbani
NOTE. Partials: 21-19, 22-19, 22-23, 28-16. First half: 43-38. Spectators: approximately 800.
