Reggio Emilia hosts Derthona: "They're the league's best team."
Bertram Derthona Tortona's journey in the LBA Serie A Unipol championship continues at the PalaBigi, where on Sunday 26 April at 18:00 pm they will face UNAHOTELS Reggio Emilia led by Dimitris Priftis. The top-of-the-table match between the black and whites and the red and whites will be broadcast live. live exclusively on LBATV.
How do the two teams arrive?
Having bounced back from away defeats against Openjobmetis Varese and Nutribullet Treviso Basket, Bertram responded with pride with a convincing victory against Dolomiti Energia Trentino.
In Round 27, however, the defeat came (74-69) at the hands of Virtus Olidata Bologna, at the end of a difficult shooting match for Derthona, who nevertheless remained in the game until the end.
Reggio Emilia, on the other hand, is in great form: in their last nine matches, the red and whites have won every game except the away match against EA7 Emporio Armani Milano in Round 25.
After a difficult start to the season, Dimitris Priftis's men have bounced back impressively. Reggio Emilia currently sits sixth, behind Bertram, with 26 points.
The first-round match against UNAHOTELS Reggio Emilia
The first round match, played on 28 December 2025 for Round 13 of the championship, had given the Bianconeri mathematical qualification to the Frecciarossa Final Eight 2026. Led by Christian Vital's 25 points, Derthona had prevailed 81-67 against the Emilians.
The point of Iacopo Squarcina
As usual, the challenge is presented by one of Mario Fioretti's assistants. Returning to last week's challenge, Iacopo Squarcina emphasizes Bertram's attitude.
"It was important to stay in touch throughout the game. It's a sign of a team that never gives up, despite the percentages, despite the problems we've had in attack. We've proven it all year, and the game against Virtus was proof of that," he says.
"That doesn't take away the bitter taste of not having been even better to bring it home, because it would have been a truly important match and a signal. It's a shame, but as always, we immediately threw ourselves back into the gym with our minds set on Reggio Emilia," he continued.
The Juventus assistant is focused on the final three regular season matches, against Reggio Emilia, Brescia, and Venice. "This tour de force that awaits us is a good test to get to the postseason. From the regular season to the playoffs, the world changes," comments Squarcina.
"You have to arrive with the right tension, with the right enthusiasm. These last three games are playoff-caliber challenges, but it's a different world when you really get into that mood. We'll have to be good at being tough and preparing to arrive in the best physical and mental condition."
"Reggio is the league's most in-form team. This is demonstrated by the statistics and the many wins they've managed to secure recently: they're clearly top of the league in their last twelve games," emphasizes Iacopo Squarcina of Reggio Emilia.
"They had some problems at the beginning of the year, but they're a hugely talented team, very balanced both in attack and defense, and very well coached. They seem to have few weaknesses, but at the same time we know we can cause damage and put in a high-level performance."
"We definitely have the will and desire to hold on to fifth place. We're working hard to get the best possible start to this final round of matches before the playoffs," he concludes.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Ciamillo-Castoria Agency)
