Italy – Basket Serie A, Round 28
Italy – Basketball, Serie A Preview 28th Round
Tortona vs. Pesaro (24/04/20, 6:00 PM CET)
A breath of fresh air as Tortona returns home after two away games and as many defeats. The narrow loss in Trento (83-81) leaves a bitter taste for Walter De Raffaele's boys: "Good job staying in the game, but injuries have affected us," analyzed the coach. Maximum attention at PalaFerraris for Pesaro, which hasn't surrendered yet: two consecutive wins and the survival talk rekindled, just one game away from safety. "The attitude of my players has changed; we must take it one day at a time," calmly stated Meo Sacchetti, fresh from his 400th Serie A game. A tougher match than expected awaits: while the Piedmontese run strong at home – with 7 consecutive wins – Pesaro is finding important mental energy, with Andrea Cinciarini leading the charge with triple-double performances. Once again, whenever Pesaro is involved, a scenario with over 160 total points might be in sight.
Cremona vs. Brescia (24/04/20, 7:30 PM CET)
A final step. After an honorable defeat in Bologna, where "my team forced Virtus to bring out their best version," Cremona prepares to host Brescia. "We'll need great defensive quality and rebounding presence," coach Cavina outlined ahead of the match against the league leaders. The hosts (record 11-16) might be one win away from mathematical safety, but considering the upcoming schedule – a tough away game in Pesaro for the 29th round, and Milano at PalaRadi in the last round – it's too early to ease off. A similar but opposite situation for Brescia, aiming for the top spot: the Leonessa has a one-game lead over the chasers and, after a convincing win against Venezia (90-84), could accelerate towards claiming the regular season. "We take it one game at a time, but I must congratulate my players: Massinburg has the highest efficiency in the league, Della Valle is a technical example and a locker room glue," the coach savors his team. A highly tactical match awaits, with Brescia ready to secure the two points in a potentially closely contested game, likely under 160 total points. Heard Cavina? If Cremona has a chance, it's about tightening ranks in their own half.
Sassari vs. Varese (21/04/24, 11:00 AM CET)
No hiding. "Varese is our last chance to catch the playoffs," coach Markovic ignites the Dinamo. The loss to Napoli (88-79) risks leaving significant scars, except for a monumental effort from Jefferson (28 points on 17 shots), the entire blue and white roster seemed off-color. The stakes are also high for the Lombards, who, by faltering in the final quarter against Scafati (102-90), have significantly jeopardized their position: with 10 wins and 17 losses, Mannion and company are just one game above the relegation zone. "Disappointed by our approach: this loss should make us reflect," sounds the alarm from Tom Bialaszewski. PalaSerradimigni lights up for an offensive-minded match, with both teams boasting stronger offenses than defenses, and the physical stamina of the lineups could make the difference over the 40 minutes. Given the technical characteristics of both teams, confidence leans towards a game with a medium-high score, with Sassari favored only on paper.
Milan vs. Scafati (21/04/24, 4:00 PM CET)
Only Serie A on Olimpia's radar now, free from European distractions and increasingly dominant in the league – another 4 consecutive wins, following the hard-fought victory over Treviso (89-91). Napier and Shields shine, but among coach Messina's Italians, Stefano Tonut's consistent growth is noted: a potential tactical pivot even against Scafati, hungry for redemption after the embarrassment in the first leg (77-68 at PalaBarbuto). However, today's Milan is different, more solid and aware, and so is Scafati, declining and without objectives. Yet, Boniciolli's team reacted to 3 consecutive defeats by beating Varese with merit (102-90, with Pinkins shooting 11/12), dispelling the ghosts of the previous weeks. "I thanked my players, who played the basketball I wanted. And the crowd almost moved me," the coach smiles. It'll be a different atmosphere at the Assago Forum, where the Campanians have never won in their history and are coming off 6 consecutive away losses. It's likely to be the seventh, against an Olimpia that's learning to play like a big team these days: an affirmation of Melli and company, even with a lead of more than 10 points.
Venice vs. Treviso (21/04/24, 5:15 PM CET)
Another rollercoaster for the golden-orange team: in Brescia, Reyer only sparks intermittently and ultimately succumbs 90-84. Few highlights, apart from Kabengele's double-double (15 points with 10 rebounds). "We weren't consistent throughout the 40 minutes and made unacceptable mistakes," coach Spahija analyzes. For Venice, it's the third loss in the last 4 games: relinquishing the aspirations for the top spot, they're now focused on defending fourth place. The trilogy closes with a high-tension Veneto derby against Treviso, playing half a season, perhaps more. Vitucci's boys are coming off a highly fought defeat against Milan (89-91), paired with a much more disappointing one suffered in Puglia. "I saw a reaction, a willingness to fight, and a commendable effort that we must replicate in this final stretch of the season." Treviso (record 10-17) currently holds a one-game advantage over the relegation zone but faces a challenging schedule: after Taliercio, another away game in Varese, and finally Tortona at PalaVerde. It's time to shield around the talent and tactical intelligence of Olisevicius, omnipresent even against Olimpia (22 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists). And especially around the Venetian coach, who knows the vices and virtues of Reyer well. An uncertain match, potentially point-for-point, with Venice slightly favored and the scoreboard just above 160 points.
Virtus Bologna vs. Reggiana (21/04/24, 5:15 PM CET)
The arrow is once again aimed at the championship, after a week of heavy expenditure in Europe: Virtus returns to the Segafredo Arena to break the unexpected Reggiana jinx. So far, the Biancorossi have surprised Bologna in both previous encounters this season: 72-66 at PalaBigi and 81-72 in the Italian Cup. "By beating Brindisi, we have one foot in the playoffs: now we want to achieve something unexpected," coach Priftis raises the bar. Reggio is in good shape but awaits the return of the best Galloway, who has scored below 20 points in the last 4 games. It remains to be seen how the Virtus veterans will react after the double effort against Anadolu Efes and Baskonia: physically, Banchi's team may feel it. But it's a crucial moment in the season's title race, and Bologna has the opportunity to secure a third consecutive Serie A victory for the first time since the Final Eight flop. And thus, to overcome a failure, especially against the same team that eliminated them. It's difficult to give clear favorites given the circumstances, but one way or another – and with due caution – the two points could still come on Sunday.
Napoli vs. Trento (21/04/24, 6:00 PM CET)
Playing as a team and with a great Zubcic (19 points and 9 rebounds), Napoli rises after 5 consecutive defeats and beats Sassari in a crucial playoff showdown (88-79). "22 assists and 8 turnovers: the key to our success lies in these excellent basketball numbers," emphasizes Igor Milicic. Now, another postseason showdown awaits the Campanians, still at PalaBarbuto, against an Aquila just one step ahead in the standings (14 wins to 13). Without Grazulis, Galbiati's boys seem to continue finding unexpected energies, and against Tortona (83-81), they clinched their third win in the last 4 games. "We turned the tide after halftime, fixing the defense: this time, the point-to-point finish rewarded us," the coach holds onto the result. Now it's urgent to break the away curse, where the Bianconeri have a streak of 10 consecutive losses in both the league and the cup, and have never celebrated in 2024. Doing so in Naples won't be easy, considering the offensive flair of Ennis and company. And also the margin of the first leg: Trento won by 7, losing by less would almost feel like a draw. It could be an entertaining match, with the home team slightly favored and the scoreboard surpassing 160 total points.
Pistoia vs. Brindisi (21/04/24, 7:00 PM CET)
A wasted opportunity for Pistoia: the 89-82 loss on Pesaro's court sends the Tuscan team back to the barrage around the eighth spot. "It takes much more hunger to aim for the playoffs: we've fallen into excessive carelessness," coach Brienza demands more. The journey now shifts to home turf, where Pistoia has won 4 of the last 6 games. The next challenge will be against a Brindisi with its back against the wall: after the defeat in Reggio Emilia (74-66), survival hopes for the Apulians (record 8-19) are hanging by a thread. And even winning all the remaining matches may not be enough. "Considering what's at stake for us, I can't explain the number of easy baskets we conceded to Reggiana," coach Sakota spreads his arms, betrayed by his shooters' dismal percentages from beyond the arc (7/31). Brindisi needs a miracle, while Pistoia needs some clarity by capitalizing on the hot hands of Ogbeide, Willis, and Moore. A highly uncertain game: technically superior and favored at home, the now-or-never factor for the visitors could turn into a wild card.