Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
Eighteenth-ranked Cento (2-7) was very close to win a game against first ranked Rimini (8-1) on Wednesday. Rimini managed to secure only three-point victory 80-77. However their fans expected much easier game. Rimini made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American guard Gerald Robinson (185-1989, college: Georgia, agency: Slash Sports) who led his team to a victory with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international swingman Pierpaolo Marini (193-1993, agency: Players Group) contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. point guard Nicola Berdini (184-2003) answered with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists for Cento. Cento’s coach Emanuele Di Paolantonio rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Rimini have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 8-1 record. Cento at the other side keeps the eighteenth position with seven games lost. They share it with Brindisi and Piacenza. Rimini are looking forward to face Pesaro (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Cento will play against Piacenza and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Rieti. Fifth ranked Rieti (7-2) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Fortitudo (4-4) 61-60 on Wednesday evening. American power forward Skylar Spencer (206-1994, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) stepped up and scored 8 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and Diego Monaldi chipped in 11 points. The best for the losing side was swingman Riccardo Bolpin (197-1997) with 22 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rieti moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Fortitudo at the other side dropped to the ninth position with four games lost. Rieti will play against league’s second-placed Cividale on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fortitudo will play against Torino (#14) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Piacenza managed to get the second consecutive victory on Wednesday night. This time they won against twelfth-ranked Nardo 93-75. It’s especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 18-point difference suggests that Piacenza is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. And what about a second win in a row after …seven consecutive losses. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Nardo. Saverio Bartoli nailed a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 assists for the winning side. Wayne Stewart Jr came up with 23 points and 8 rebounds for Nardo in the defeat. Piacenza (2-7) moved-up to eighteenth place, which they share with Brindisi and Cento. Loser Nardo dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. They share it with Juvi Cremona and Orzinuovi. Piacenza will meet Cento (#18) on the road in the next round. Nardo will play against Verona (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
There were no big surprises in other games of round 9: Forli smashed Torino on the road 92-67. Cantu won against Avellino on its own court 83-71. Pesaro unfortunately lost to Udine in a road game 72-83. Juvi Cremona recorded a loss to Brindisi at home 81-97. Vigevano was crushed by Verona on the opponent’s court 96-69. Livorno Libertas were beaten by Cividale in a home game 62-66. Milano Urania won against Orzinuovi on the road 86-79.
Rimini – Cento 80-77
Eighteenth-ranked Cento (2-7) was very close to win a game against first ranked Rimini (8-1) on Wednesday. Rimini managed to secure only three-point victory 80-77. However their fans expected much easier game. Rimini made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a good game for American guard Gerald Robinson (185-1989, college: Georgia, agency: Slash Sports) who led his team to a victory with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international swingman Pierpaolo Marini (193-1993, agency: Players Group) contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Point guard Nicola Berdini (184-2003) answered with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists and American guard Terry Henderson Jr (196-1994, college: NC State) added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Cento. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Cento’s coach Emanuele Di Paolantonio rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Rimini have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 8-1 record. Cento at the other side keeps the eighteenth position with seven games lost. They share it with Brindisi and Piacenza. Rimini are looking forward to face Pesaro (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Cento will play against Piacenza and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rimini: G.Robinson 17+5reb+4ast, P.Marini 14+6reb+3ast, G.Camara 12+4reb+1ast, S.Masciadri 10+3reb, J.Johnson 9+5reb+2ast, G.Tomassini 6+2reb+2ast
Cento: S.Davis 24, T.Henderson Jr. 15+8reb+2ast, N.Berdini 13+9reb+8ast, A.Sperduto 10+3reb+3ast, L.Benvenuti 8+8reb, V.Nobile 4+3reb
gschID: 1184443
Torino – Forli 67-92
No shocking result in a game when tenth ranked Forli (5-4) crushed on the road 14th ranked Torino (3-6) 92-67 on Wednesday. Forli forced 19 Torino turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The former international power forward Raphael Gaspardo (207-1993, agency: Players Group) nailed 22 points for the winning side and American guard Demonte Harper (193-1989, college: Morehead St.) accounted for 11 points and 7 assists. Five Forli players scored in double figures. Nigerian-American forward Ife Josh Ajayi (201-1996, college: USA, agency: Players Group) came up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds and American swingman Kevion Taylor (196-1999, college: Valpo) added 16 points and 4 assists respectively for Torino in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Forli moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Verona. Torino lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourteenth position with six games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Forli will meet at home Orzinuovi (#11) in the next round. Torino will play against Fortitudo in Bologna and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Forli: R.Gaspardo 22+4reb, D.Cinciarini 12+1reb+2ast, D.Harper 11+4reb+7ast, T.Perkovic 10+2reb+3ast, M.Parravicini 10+1reb+3ast, A.Del Chiaro 8+5reb
Torino: I.Josh Ajayi 17+11reb+1ast, K.Taylor 16+4reb+4ast, M.Montano 11+3ast, A.Gallo 8+3ast, G.Severini 6+3reb+1ast, M.Ladurner 3+4reb
gschID: 1184444
Cantu – Avellino 83-71
Very expected game when 13th ranked Avellino (3-5) lost on the road to third ranked Cantu (7-2) 83-71 on Wednesday. The former international power forward Christian Burns (203-1985, college: Jefferson) nailed 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winning side and the former international forward Grant Basile (206-2000, college: Virginia Tech) accounted for 18 points and 5 rebounds. Guard Federico Mussini (188-1996, college: St.John’s) came up with 23 points and 4 assists and American Jaren Lewis (201-1996, college: ACU) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Avellino in the defeat. Avellino’s coach Alessandro Crotti tested ten players, but that didn’t help to avoid defeat in this game. Cantu moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Avellino lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the thirteenth position with five games lost. Cantu will meet Vigevano (#15) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Avellino will play against Livorno Libertas and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Cantu: C.Burns 22+7reb+1ast, G.Basile 18+5reb+1ast, F.Valentini 17+4reb+2ast, R.Moraschini 9+3reb+3ast, F.Rossi 7+4reb+3ast, A.De Nicolao 5+2reb+6ast
Avellino: F.Mussini 23+4reb+4ast, J.Lewis 17+6reb+1ast, M.Earlington 10+9reb+3ast, M.Bortolin 8+6reb+1ast, A.Sabatino 7, M.Jurkatamm 4+2reb+4ast
gschID: 1184445
Udine – Pesaro 83-72
Very predictable result when fourth ranked Udine (7-2) won against at home 17th ranked Pesaro (3-6) 83-72 on Wednesday. Udine outrebounded Pesaro 48-29 including a 18-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. American players dominated the game. Xavier Johnson (201-1993, college: Colorado) nailed a double-double by scoring 25 points and 17 rebounds for the winning side and point guard Anthony Hickey (180-1992, college: OK State, agency: Octagon Europe) accounted for 13 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Khalil Ahmad (191-1996, college: CS Fullerton) came up with 29 points and forward VJ King (198-1997, college: Louisville, agency: Octagon Europe) added 20 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Pesaro in the defeat. Udine have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Pesaro dropped to the fourteenth position with six games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Udine will meet Brindisi (#19) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Pesaro will play against the league’s leader Rimini (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Udine: X.Johnson 25+17reb, A.Hickey 13+9reb+3ast, L.Ambrosin 13+6reb+2ast, M.Alibegovic 8+4reb+3ast, M.Da Ros 7+5reb+2ast, F.Stefanelli 6+1reb
Pesaro: K.Ahmad 29+2reb+2ast, V.King 20+10reb+1ast, Q.De Laurentiis 7+6reb, M.Imbro 7+3reb+6ast, L.Bucarelli 5+1reb, E.Lombardi 4+5reb+1ast
gschID: 1184446
Juvi Cremona – Brindisi 81-97
There was an upset when higher ranked Juvi Cremona (4-5) lost at home to nineteenth ranked Brindisi (2-7) 97-81 on Wednesday. Brindisi made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Cape Verdean-Portuguese Ivan Almeida (197-1989, college: Stonehill) nailed 20 points and 6 assists for the winning side and American guard Bryon Allen (192-1992, college: GMU) accounted for 11 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Lorenzo Tortu (202-1992, agency: SLN) came up with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and American guard Isiah Brown (188-1997, college: Weber St., agency: Worldwide SM) added 23 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) respectively for Juvi Cremona in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brindisi moved-up to eighteenth place, which they share with Cento and Piacenza. Juvi Cremona lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. They share it with Orzinuovi and Nardo. Brindisi will meet at home higher ranked Udine (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Juvi Cremona will play against Milano Urania (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Brindisi: I.Almeida 20+2reb+6ast, G.Arletti 12+4reb+2ast, E.Del Cadia 11+4reb+1ast, B.Allen 11+7reb+2ast, T.Laquintana 10+3reb+2ast, N.De Vico 10+4reb+1ast
Juvi Cremona: I.Brown 23+1ast, E.Polanco 18+1reb+3ast, A.Morgillo 16+4reb+2ast, L.Tortu 12+9reb+5ast, S.Barbante 7+4reb, A.La Torre 3+4reb+1ast
gschID: 1184447
Verona – Vigevano 96-69
Everything went according to plan when ninth ranked Verona (5-4) outplayed at home 15th ranked Vigevano (3-6) 96-69 on Wednesday. Verona made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game, while Vigevano only scored three points from the stripe. It was a great shooting night for Verona especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. Georgian-American point guard Jacob Pullen (183-1989, college: Kansas St., agency: AltusBasket) nailed 20 points for the winning side and forward Liam Udom (199-2000) accounted for 11 points and 9 rebounds. Four Verona players scored in double figures. Guard Gabriele Stefanini (191-1999, college: USF, agency: BIG) came up with 17 points and forward Giacomo Leardini (198-1999) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Vigevano in the defeat. 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 seventh place, which they share with Forli. Vigevano lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with six games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Verona will meet at home Nardo (#12) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Vigevano will play against Cantu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Verona: J.Pullen 20+2ast, L.Faggian 16+1reb, V.Bartoli 13+3reb+2ast, L.Udom 11+9reb+1ast, M.Palumbo 11+4reb+1ast, L.Penna 9+4reb+5ast
Vigevano: G.Stefanini 17+1ast, C.Taflaj 11+3reb+2ast, M.Mack 9+4reb+4ast, G.Leardini 9+6reb+3ast, P.Oduro 8+9reb, K.Strautmanis 6+4reb+1ast
gschID: 1184448
Livorno Libertas – Cividale 62-66
There was no surprise when 16th ranked Livorno Libertas (3-6) lost at home to second ranked Cividale (7-2) 66-62 on Wednesday. Power forward Giacomo DellAgnello (198-1994) nailed 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and point guard Eugenio Rota (178-1999, agency: SLN) accounted for 9 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. American point guard Quinton Hooker (183-1995, college: N.Dakota) came up with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and the former international point guard Ariel Filloy (190-1987, agency: Interperformances) added 13 points respectively for Livorno Libertas in the defeat. Cividale have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 7-2 record behind leader Rimini, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Livorno Libertas dropped to the fourteenth position with six games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Cividale will meet at home Rieti (#5) in the next round. Livorno Libertas will play against Avellino (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cividale: G.Dell’Agnello 17+8reb+4ast, M.Mastellari 12+4reb, E.Rota 9+5reb+4ast, F.Ferrari 9+3reb, L.Redivo 7+4reb+4ast, D.Marks 6+4reb
Livorno Libertas: Q.Hooker 22+8reb+7ast, A.Filloy 13+4reb+1ast, T.Fantoni 7+7reb, N.Italiano 6+6reb+3ast, A.Banks 6+6reb+1ast, G.Allinei 4+1reb+1ast
gschID: 1184449
Orzinuovi – Milano Urania 79-86
No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Milano Urania (6-3) beat on the road 11th ranked Orzinuovi (4-5) 86-79 on Wednesday. Nigerian-American power forward Ike Joseph Udanoh (207-1989, college: WSU) nailed a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and the former international swingman Alessandro Gentile (201-1992, agency: SLN) accounted for 14 points and 6 rebounds. American guard Gabe DeVoe (191-1995, college: Clemson) came up with 28 points and the other American import power forward Jarvis Williams (203-1993, college: Murray St.) added 12 points and 12 rebounds respectively for Orzinuovi in the defeat. Five Milano Urania and four Orzinuovi players scored in double figures. Milano Urania have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain sixth place with 6-3 record. Loser Orzinuovi dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. They share it with Juvi Cremona and Nardo. Milano Urania will meet at home Juvi Cremona (#10) in the next round. Orzinuovi will play against Forli and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Milano Urania: N.Potts 15+2reb+3ast, L.Maspero 14+3reb+5ast, A.Amato 14+1reb+1ast, A.Gentile 14+6reb+3ast, I.Joseph Udanoh 11+12reb+1ast, G.Leggio 8+2reb+1ast
Orzinuovi: G.DeVoe 28+2reb+1ast, L.Vencato 12+5reb+5ast, J.Williams 12+12reb+3ast, C.Costi 10+6reb+1ast, T.Guariglia 5+5reb+2ast, S.Pepe 4+1reb+2ast
gschID: 1184450
Piacenza – Nardo 93-75
Bottom-ranked Piacenza managed to get the second consecutive victory on Wednesday night. This time they won against twelfth-ranked Nardo 93-75. It’s especially surprising that the victory came too easily and 18-point difference suggests that Piacenza is in a good shape to leave the bottom place. And what about a second win in a row after …seven consecutive losses. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Nardo. Piacenza dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Nardo‘s 36. Piacenza forced 20 Nardo turnovers. Guard Saverio Bartoli (194-2000) nailed a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 assists for the winning side and Michele Serpilli (201-1999) accounted for 18 points and 5 rebounds. Five Piacenza players scored in double figures. American Wayne Stewart Jr (201-1996, college: A&M-Commerce) came up with 23 points and 8 rebounds and Cameroonian guard Aristide Mouaha (191-2000) added 23 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Nardo in the defeat. Piacenza (2-7) moved-up to eighteenth place, which they share with Brindisi and Cento. Loser Nardo dropped to the tenth position with five games lost. They share it with Juvi Cremona and Orzinuovi. Piacenza will meet Cento (#18) on the road in the next round. Nardo will play against Verona (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Piacenza: S.Bartoli 20+4reb+11ast, M.Serpilli 18+5reb, D.Bradford 15+2reb+5ast, N.Grimes 13+5reb+1ast, N.Filoni 11+4reb+1ast, F.Bonacini 10+4reb+1ast
Nardo: W.Stewart Jr 23+8reb, A.Mouaha 23+5reb+3ast, A.Iannuzzi 10+8reb+2ast, A.Woodson 7+3reb+2ast, L.Donadio 5+4reb+3ast, E.Thioune 3+3reb+2ast
gschID: 1184451
Rieti – Fortitudo BO 61-60
Important game to mention about took place in Rieti. Fifth ranked Rieti (7-2) saved a 1-point victory at home edging 7th ranked Fortitudo (4-4) 61-60 on Wednesday evening. Rieti outrebounded Fortitudo 43-32 including 33 on the defensive glass. Fortitudo was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Skylar Spencer (206-1994, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) stepped up and scored 8 points and 13 rebounds for the winners and the former international point guard Diego Monaldi (185-1993) chipped in 11 points. The best for the losing side was swingman Riccardo Bolpin (197-1997) with 22 points and the former international guard Matteo Fantinelli (195-1993) scored 9 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Rieti moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Fortitudo at the other side dropped to the ninth position with four games lost. Rieti will play against league’s second-placed Cividale on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fortitudo will play against Torino (#14) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Rieti: D.Monaldi 11+2reb+3ast, A.Cicchetti 10+2reb, I.Lupusor 9+2reb+2ast, J.Johnson 8+5reb+2ast, S.Spencer 8+13reb, M.Spanghero 7+6reb+2ast
Fortitudo BO: R.Bolpin 22+4reb+3ast, K.Gabriel 12+4reb+1ast, M.Fantinelli 9+7reb+7ast, D.Freeman 7+8reb+2ast, G.Sabatini 5+2reb+2ast, L.Menalo 3
gschID: 1184452
