The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 4 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
There was a change at the Serie A2 leadership position after last games. Round 18 most important game was a defeat of league’s leader Forli (14-4). They were defeated by ninth ranked Cividale (6-12) 86-77 on Saturday night. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Forli. Cividale made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Naturalized Argentinian point guard Lucio Redivo (183-1994) scored 28 points and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Gabriele Miani (202-2000, agency: SLN) chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American Xavier Johnson (201-1993, college: Colorado) with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Forli’s coach Antimo Martino rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Cividale moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Forli at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Trapani who have the same record. Forli will play next round against Verona trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Cividale will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Rimini on the road.
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Fortitudo as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader’s (Forli) loss. Fortitudo defeated second-best Udine in Bologna 68-54. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Udine. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American forward Deshawn Freeman (201-1994, college: Rutgers, agency: One Motive Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and Mark Ogden supported him with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Fortitudo BO’s coach Attilio Caja allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 15 points by American guard Jason Clark (189-1990, college: Georgetown) did not help to save the game for Udine. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Forli. Udine at the other side keeps the second place with five games lost. They share the position with Cantu. Udine will play next round against strong Trieste trying to get back on the winning streak. Fortitudo will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Piacenza on the road.
Quite upsetting was Torino‘s home defeat in a game versus Cantu 87-76. The best player for the winners was Solomon Young who scored 26 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Donte Thomas who recorded 17 points and 6 rebounds. Cantu maintains second position with 13-5 record behind leader Trapani, which they share with Udine. Loser Torino keeps the third place with six games lost. They share the position with Verona. Cantu will meet at home Agrigento (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Torino will play against Monferrato (#11) in Casale and hope to secure a win.
There were no shocking results in the other games in round 18: Trapani destroyed Agrigento on the opponent’s court 98-76. Juvi Cremona managed to outperform Monferrato in a home game 110-103. Vigevano rolled over Treviglio on the road 90-68. Milano Urania was defeated by Rieti Real on its own court 84-86. Luiss Roma beat Latina in a road game 94-88. Orzinuovi won against Nardo at home 81-64. Rimini managed to outperform Cento on the opponent’s court 89-78. Verona rolled over Chiusi in a home game 70-49. Piacenza was defeated by Trieste on the road 86-69.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 8 points and 14 rebounds by Brady Skeens of Piacenza.
Agrigento – Trapani 76-98
Very expected game when 9th ranked Agrigento (5-13) was crushed at home by first ranked Trapani (17-1) 98-76 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American guard JD Notae (188-1998, college: Arkansas) who scored 29 points. The former international swingman Pierpaolo Marini (193-1993, agency: Players Group) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. Trapani’s coach Daniele Parente felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Alessandro Sperduto (193-2000) who recorded 21 points and American guard Dwayne Cohill (188-2000, college: YSU) added 15 points respectively. Trapani have an impressive 13-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 17-1 record. Agrigento lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth place with 13 games lost. Trapani will meet at home Treviglio (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Agrigento will play against the league’s second-placed Cantu (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Trapani: J.Notae 29+3reb+2ast, P.Marini 15+5reb+2ast, J.Mobio 14+4reb+1ast, C.Horton 9+10reb+2ast, F.Mian 8+1reb, A.Renzi 6+3reb
Agrigento: A.Sperduto 21+2reb, D.Cohill 15+4reb+2ast, D.Meluzzi 15+2reb+3ast, L.Ambrosin 9+2reb+3ast, N.Morici 8+5reb+3ast, J.Polakovich 2+8reb+1ast
gschID: 1129447
Juvi Cremona – Monferrato 110-103
Rather predictable result when seventh ranked Juvi Cremona (10-8) defeated at home 11th ranked Monferrato (4-14) 110-103 on Saturday. Juvi Cremona made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American point guard Vinnie Shahid (180-1998, college: NDSU) who scored 33 points (!!!) and 4 assists. Guard Marco Timperi (194-1997) chipped in 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard CJ Kelly (196-1998, college: UCF, agency: BIG) who recorded 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized American Dalton Pepper (197-1990, college: Temple, agency: SLN) added 20 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Four Juvi Cremona and five Monferrato players scored in double figures. Monferrato’s coach Fabio Di Bella tested ten players, but that didn’t help to avoid defeat in this game. Juvi Cremona moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Treviglio and Piacenza. Monferrato lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 14 games lost. They share it with Orzinuovi. Juvi Cremona will meet higher ranked Milano Urania (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Monferrato will play against Torino (#3) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Juvi Cremona: V.Shahid 33+2reb+4ast, L.Tortu 19+7reb+2ast, M.Timperi 15+7reb+6ast, B.Musso 12+3reb+1ast, A.Sabatino 10+1reb+3ast, D.Magro 8+7reb+1ast
Monferrato: C.Kelly 24+5reb+4ast, D.Pepper 20+9reb+3ast, A.Calzavara 18+3reb+7ast, A.Fall 16+12reb, N.Martinoni 13+7reb+1ast, F.Tommaso 12+4reb
gschID: 1129448
Treviglio – Vigevano 68-90
There was a minor upset when 6th ranked Treviglio (10-8) was rolled over at home by eighth ranked Vigevano (7-11) 90-68 on Saturday. Vigevano outrebounded Treviglio 39-28 including 30 on the defensive glass. Vigevano looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American Tyler Wideman (203-1995, college: Butler) who scored 29 points and 5 rebounds. The other American import guard Ike Smith (193-1997, college: Georgia South) chipped in 21 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Federico Miaschi (200-2000) who recorded 15 points and 6 rebounds and center Tommaso Guariglia (205-1997, agency: SLN) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively. Four Treviglio players scored in double figures. Vigevano have a solid three-game winning streak. Newly promoted Vigevano maintains eighth position with 7-11 record. Loser Treviglio keeps the sixth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Piacenza and Juvi Cremona. Vigevano will meet at home Latina (#12) in the next round. Treviglio will play against the league’s leader Trapani (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Vigevano: T.Wideman 29+5reb+3ast, I.Smith 21+8reb+7ast, L.Battistini 17+13reb, K.Strautmanis 8+2reb, A.Amici 5+5ast, L.D’Alessandro 4+7reb+1ast
Treviglio: F.Miaschi 15+6reb+2ast, T.Guariglia 13+6reb+2ast, A.Pacher 12+3reb+2ast, B.Sacchetti 11+7reb, M.Giuri 7+2reb+5ast, T.Harris 6+3reb+2ast
gschID: 1129449
Milano Urania – Rieti Real 84-86
We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Rieti Real (11-7) edged on the road one of their biggest challengers Milano Urania (11-7) 86-84 on Saturday. Rieti Real dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Milano Urania‘s 20. The best player for the winners was American Dustin Hogue (198-1992, college: Iowa St.) who scored 22 points and 9 rebounds. The other American import point guard Jazz Johnson (178-1996, college: Nevada) chipped in 17 points and 4 assists (went 12 for 12 at the free throw line !!!). Rieti Real’s coach Alessandro Rossi used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was naturalized Moldovan power forward Ion Lupusor (203-1996, agency: SLN) who recorded a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and point guard Matteo Montano (190-1992) added 17 points and 4 assists respectively. Five Milano Urania players scored in double figures. Rieti Real moved-up to fourth place, which they share with defeated Milano Urania. Rieti Real will meet at home Luiss Roma (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. Milano Urania will play against Juvi Cremona (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Rieti Real: D.Hogue 22+9reb+1ast, J.Johnson 17+4reb+4ast, P.Karl 13+6reb+1ast, A.Ancellotti 8+5reb+1ast, P.Lorenzo 8+1reb+1ast, A.Sarto 6+3reb
Milano Urania: I.Lupusor 18+12reb, M.Montano 17+2reb+4ast, A.Amato 17+5ast, G.Beverly 13+6reb, N.Potts 12+3reb+3ast, A.Landi 3+2ast
gschID: 1129450
Torino – Cantu 76-87
Quite upsetting was Torino‘s home defeat in a game versus Cantu 87-76. The best player for the winners was American center Solomon Young (203-1998, college: Iowa St.) who scored 26 points and 9 rebounds. The other American import point guard Anthony Hickey (180-1992, college: OK State, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Cantu players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Donte Thomas (201-1996, college: Bradley) who recorded 17 points and 6 rebounds and forward Federico Poser (203-1999, college: Elon) added 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively. Cantu maintains second position with 13-5 record behind leader Trapani, which they share with Udine. Loser Torino keeps the third place with six games lost. They share the position with Verona. Cantu will meet at home Agrigento (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Torino will play against Monferrato (#11) in Casale and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Cantu: S.Young 26+9reb, A.Hickey 16+6reb+5ast, F.Rossi 14+2reb+1ast, L.Bucarelli 14+2reb+4ast, B.Nicola 7+1reb+1ast, S.Nikolic 4+3reb+1ast
Torino: F.Poser 18+6reb, D.Thomas 17+6reb+3ast, S.Pepe 12+1reb+2ast, N.De Vico 9+3reb, L.Vencato 8+4reb+6ast, K.Kennedy 6+2reb+3ast
gschID: 1129451
Latina – Luiss Roma 88-94
There was no surprise when 12th ranked Latina (2-16) was defeated at home by tenth ranked Luiss Roma (6-12) 94-88 on Saturday. Luiss Roma shot the lights out from three sinking 19 long-distance shots on high 52.8 percentage. The best player for the winners was American guard Ty Sabin (190-1994, college: Ripon) who scored 33 points (!!!), 7 assists and 5 steals. Forward Valerio Cucci (202-1995) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds. Luiss Roma’s coach Andrea Paccarie used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was Bulgarian forward Ivan Alipiev (203-1999, college: LMU) who recorded a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and American-Iraqi guard Demario Mayfield (196-1991, college: Angelo St.) added 14 points and 9 assists respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Luiss Roma moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Latina lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 16 games lost. Luiss Roma will meet higher ranked Rieti Real (#5) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Latina will play against Vigevano (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Luiss Roma: T.Sabin 33+4reb+7ast, V.Cucci 20+10reb+3ast, A.Miska 13+5reb+2ast, M.Pasqualin 11+2ast, D.Domenico 6, M.Riccardo 5+4reb+2ast
Latina: I.Alipiev 23+11reb+2ast, A.Cicchetti 16+4reb+1ast, D.Mayfield 14+4reb+9ast, B.Mladenov 12+2reb+1ast, Z.Lorenzo 8+3reb+1ast, S.Moretti 8+4reb+3ast
gschID: 1129452
Fortitudo BO – Udine 68-54
The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Fortitudo as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader’s (Forli) loss. Fortitudo defeated second-best Udine in Bologna 68-54. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Udine. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Fortitudo dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Udine‘s 16. They outrebounded Udine 44-30 including 16 on the offensive glass. American forward Deshawn Freeman (201-1994, college: Rutgers, agency: One Motive Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 13 points and 14 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Mark Ogden (206-1994, college: Utah Tech) supported him with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Fortitudo BO players scored in double figures. Fortitudo BO’s coach Attilio Caja allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 15 points by American guard Jason Clark (189-1990, college: Georgetown) did not help to save the game for Udine. Naturalized American guard Mirza Alibegovic (196-1992) added 12 points. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Forli. Udine at the other side keeps the second place with five games lost. They share the position with Cantu. Udine will play next round against strong Trieste trying to get back on the winning streak. Fortitudo will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Piacenza on the road.
Top scorers:
Fortitudo BO: M.Ogden 16+8reb+4ast, D.Freeman 13+14reb+1ast, R.Bolpin 12+3reb+2ast, P.Aradori 11+7reb+4ast, M.Fantinelli 8+6reb+4ast, A.Morgillo 5+3reb+2ast
Udine: J.Clark 15+1reb, M.Alibegovic 12+2reb+2ast, R.Gaspardo 6+8reb+1ast, L.Caroti 6+3ast, I.Ikangi 6+1reb, M.Delia 4+9reb+1ast
gschID: 1129453
Cividale – Forli 86-77
There was a change at the Serie A2 leadership position after last games. Round 18 most important game was a defeat of league’s leader Forli (14-4). They were defeated by ninth ranked Cividale (6-12) 86-77 on Saturday night. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Forli. Cividale made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Naturalized Argentinian point guard Lucio Redivo (183-1994) scored 28 points and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Gabriele Miani (202-2000, agency: SLN) chipped in 12 points and 12 rebounds during the contest. Five Cividale players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American Xavier Johnson (201-1993, college: Colorado) with 19 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Kadeem Allen (187-1993, college: Arizona) scored 11 points. Forli’s coach Antimo Martino rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Cividale moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Forli at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Trapani who have the same record. Forli will play next round against Verona trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Cividale will try to continue on its current victory against tenth ranked Rimini on the road.
Top scorers:
Cividale: L.Redivo 28+2reb+6ast, C.Vincent 14+7reb+1ast, M.Gabriele 12+12reb+2ast, E.Rota 11+1reb, G.Dell’Agnello 11+4reb+1ast, M.Leonardo 5+2reb+1ast
Forli: X.Johnson 19+9reb+3ast, L.Pollone 14+2reb+1ast, K.Allen 11+4reb+2ast, F.Zampini 9+3reb+4ast, F.Valentini 9+3reb+1ast, D.Pascolo 6+3reb+1ast
gschID: 1129454
Orzinuovi – Nardo 81-64
There was a surprise result when eleventh ranked Orzinuovi (4-14) won against at home higher ranked Nardo (8-10) 81-64 on Sunday. Orzinuovi made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American forward Grant Basile (206-2000, college: Virginia Tech) who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds. Naturalized American guard Paul Jorgensen (188-1996, college: Butler) chipped in 23 points. At the other side the best for losing team was American Wayne Stewart Jr (201-1996, college: A&M-Commerce) who recorded 24 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import point guard Russ Smith (183-1991, college: Louisville) added 16 points respectively. Newly promoted Orzinuovi maintains eleventh position with 4-14 record, which they share with Monferrato. Nardo lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with ten games lost. Orzinuovi will meet Chiusi (#12) on the road in the next round. Nardo will play against Cento (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Orzinuovi: G.Basile 24+11reb+2ast, P.Jorgensen 23+4reb, E.Leonzio 13+3reb+1ast, G.Gasparin 7+1reb+6ast, A.Nicolas 7+6reb+2ast, B.Alessandro 3+5reb+1ast
Nardo: W.Stewart Jr 24+9reb+2ast, R.Smith 16+2reb+3ast, A.Iannuzzi 10+6reb+4ast, L.Baldasso 5+1reb, A.La Torre 5+8reb+1ast, L.Maspero 4+4reb+4ast
gschID: 1129455
Cento – Rimini 78-89
There was a minor upset when 8th ranked Cento (6-12) was defeated at home by tenth ranked Rimini (6-12) 89-78 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was American guard Derrick Marks (191-1993, college: Boise St., agency: Players Group) who scored 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The other American import Justin Johnson (200-1996, college: WKU) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds. Four Rimini players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was naturalized Cuban guard Yankiel Moreno (187-1990, agency: Interperformances) who recorded 8 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and Mattia Palumbo (198-2000) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Rimini moved-up to eighth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Cento. Rimini will meet at home Cividale (#9) in the next round. Cento will play against Nardo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rimini: D.Marks 19+8reb+4ast, J.Johnson 16+6reb+2ast, A.Tassinari 14+3reb+2ast, S.Masciadri 11+3reb+1ast, G.Tomassini 8+2reb+3ast, A.Simioni 8+3reb
Cento: F.Mussini 13, M.Palumbo 13+5reb+1ast, W.Mitchell 11+3reb+3ast, D.Bruttini 11+7reb, D.Archie 9+5reb, Y.Moreno 8+6reb+5ast
gschID: 1129456
Verona – Chiusi 70-49
Very predictable result when fifth ranked Verona (12-6) smashed at home 12th ranked Chiusi (2-15) 70-49 on Sunday. Verona dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Chiusi‘s 22. The best player for the winners was American forward Kamari Murphy (206-1993, college: Miami, FL) who had a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Forward Ethan Esposito (201-1999, college: Sacramento St.) chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Matteo Visintin (189-2004) who recorded 8 points and 6 rebounds and guard Gabriele Stefanini (191-1999, college: USF, agency: BIG) added 15 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Verona moved-up to third place, which they share with Torino. Chiusi lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 15 games lost. Verona will meet league’s second-placed Forli on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Chiusi will play against Orzinuovi (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Verona: K.Murphy 15+13reb, G.DeVoe 13+2reb+2ast, E.Esposito 11+7reb+2ast, F.Stefanelli 10+1reb+1ast, G.Gazzotti 7+4reb+2ast, U.Liam 6+1reb+3ast
Chiusi: G.Stefanini 15+1reb, V.Matteo 8+6reb+3ast, A.Tilghman 7+6reb+2ast, P.Luca 6+6reb, L.Raffaelli 5+1reb, D.Bozzetto 4+8reb+3ast
gschID: 1129457
Trieste – Piacenza 86-69
Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Piacenza (10-8) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Trieste (12-5) 86-69 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was Puerto Rican-Dominican forward Justin Reyes (193-1995, college: STAC) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. The former international point guard Michele Ruzzier (183-1993) chipped in 10 points and 9 assists. Five Trieste players scored in double figures. Trieste’s coach Jamion Christian used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Gherardo Sabatini (183-1994) who recorded 12 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists and American power forward Brady Skeens (202-1995, college: Washburn, agency: One Motive Sports) added 8 points and 14 rebounds respectively. Trieste maintains fourth position with 12-5 record. Loser Piacenza keeps the sixth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Treviglio and Juvi Cremona. Trieste will meet higher ranked Udine (#3) on the road in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Piacenza will play against the league’s leader Fortitudo and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Trieste: A.Filloy 14+2reb+4ast, F.Candussi 13+3reb, J.Reyes 12+13reb+1ast, M.Ruzzier 10+3reb+9ast, E.Brooks 10+6reb+3ast, L.Campogrande 9+1ast
Piacenza: G.Veronesi 15, G.Sabatini 12+7reb+7ast, M.Miller 11+4reb+1ast, M.Serpilli 9+4reb, B.Skeens 8+14reb+2ast, N.Filoni 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 1129458
