Impresona Acqua S.Bernarco. Which passes to Rimini on the league leaders’ pitch and reopens all the games. Even for the summit. Very close match, as was to be expected, but Cantù passed the test with great authority: 76-80.
Despite the worries of the day before, coach Brienza manages to start with Possamai in the quintet. At his side De Nicolao, McGee, Piccoli and Basile.
Acqua S.Bernardo pushes immediately and muzzles Rimini’s attack: the first quarter of the Brianza team is excellent, going into the first short interval 6 up (15-21).
Less head, and maybe even a bit of legs, in the second quarter. Also because, on the other side, Dell’Agnello charges the league leaders, who reacts. The result can be seen on the pitch and on the scoreboard: the situation is reversed and in the locker rooms the score is 37-33.
Upon returning to the field, it’s a different Cantù: much more concentrated in defense and with an extra-luxury Basile. He returns the inertia again, thanks also to the new blue who scores points and makes the difference. Not even the Romagna area stops Baldi Rossi and his teammates, who are now confident. And the 53-58 is only the result of RivieraBanca’s latest comeback.
Nobody is more excited than Valentini at the start of the final period. His seven points serve above all to keep Rimini at a distance (57-65 in the 32nd minute). The rotations keep Cantù’s pace high, even if for a while neither side scores (58-65 at 35′), when a three-pointer from Tomassini that brings the home team closer forces Brienza to time out urgently.
Five minutes, the last, of a real match. As one might expect. Acqua S.Bernardo wastes a couple of match balls, partly due to “arm” issues and partly due to Rimini’s understandable desire not to lose. Hogue’s 68-74 with 56 seconds left is always a blessing and is certainly the best way to approach the last minute.
Swing of emotions. Cantù concentrated, RivieraBanca wearing the desperation of those who must chase. Seconds of fire, with a systematic foul by Rimini: with 13″ to go it’s 76-78 after a 2+1 by Robinson. Do it on McGee, who goes over there and puts 2 from the line: it’s the end. 24 points for Basile, 11 from McGee and 10 from Hogue.
RIVIERABANCA RIMINI – ACQUA S.BERNARDO CANTÙ 76 – 80 (15-21, 22-12, 16-25, 23-22)
Acqua S.Bernardo Cantù: Valentini 7, Baldi Rossi 8, Moraschini 4, De Nicolao 7, Piccoli 2, Beltrami NE, Basile 24, Hogue 10, Riismaa 2, McGee 11, Possamai 5.
Rivierabanca Rimini: Anumba, Grande 17, Tomassini 10, Masciadri, Marini 17, Bedetti, Ricci NE, Bonfè NE, Robinson 13, Johnson 5, Simioni 8, Camara 6.
Referees: Barbiero, Cassina, Berlangieri.