Brescia (Germani Brescia vs. Bertram Derthona Tortona: 98-106) – Bertram Derthona Tortona delivered a stunning performance at the start of the championship’s second leg, securing a thrilling victory over the league leaders in extra time. The 106-98 triumph marked a perfect beginning to the second half of the season for Tortona,who overcame a formidable Brescia side that had only suffered one home defeat in their last seven games and three losses overall in the first 15 matches of the Serie A Unipol season.
This match served as a crucial prelude to the upcoming Italian cup quarter-finals, where Tortona will face the Final Eight in Turin on February 12.The victory also ended a six-game losing streak against Brescia, thanks to an extraordinary comeback in the fourth quarter and overtime. Despite Brescia dominating much of the game, including a 14-point lead at one stage and an 11-point advantage with just seven minutes remaining (77-66), Tortona rallied to force extra time and ultimately clinched the win in front of a packed PalaLeonessa A2A.
Germani Brescia vs. Bertram Derthona Tortona: 98-106 (23-19, 52-43, 70-60, 88-88)
Brescia: Bilan 10, Ferrero, Dowe 7, Della Valle 14, Ndour 8, Burnell 18, Tonelli ne, Ivanovic 24, Mobio 1, Rivers 10, Cournooh 6, Pollini ne. Coach: Poet.
Derthona: Zerini, vital 19, Kuhse 13, Gorham21, candi 8, Denegri, Strautins 9, Baldasso 24, Kamagate 9, Biligha 3, Severini, Weems. All. De Raffaele.
Referees: Lo Guzzo of Pisa, baldini of Florence, Quarta of Turin.
exclusive Interview: Tortona’s Thrilling Victory Over Brescia – A Deep Dive with Coach Marco De Raffaele
Welcome to our latest sports interview, where we dive into the thrilling victory of Bertram Derthona Tortona over Germani Brescia in the Serie A Unipol season. Joining us today is the mastermind behind Tortona’s stunning comeback, Coach Marco De Raffaele.We’ll break down the game, analyze key moments, and discuss what this victory means for the team moving forward. Let’s get started!
Moderator: Coach De Raffaele, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the big question: how does it feel to secure such a monumental win against Brescia, especially after ending a six-game losing streak against them?
Coach De Raffaele: Thank you for having me. it feels incredible, to be honest. Brescia has been a tough opponent for us in recent years, and to finally overcome them, especially in such a dramatic fashion, is a testament to the resilience and determination of our team. This win wasn’t just about the points; it was about proving to ourselves that we can compete with the best.
Moderator: The game was a rollercoaster, with Brescia holding a 14-point lead at one stage. What was your strategy to turn the tide and force overtime?
Coach De Raffaele: We knew brescia would come out strong,especially at home. They’re a well-organized team with incredible talent. Our focus was to stay composed, even when we were down. We made some key defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter to limit their scoring opportunities,and offensively,we trusted our players to make the right decisions. Players like Baldasso and Gorham stepped up when it mattered most, and that’s what got us back into the game.
Moderator: speaking of Baldasso and gorham, they had standout performances with 24 and 21 points, respectively.How crucial were they in this comeback?
Coach De Raffaele: Absolutely critical. Baldasso’s shooting and Gorham’s versatility were game-changers. They not onyl scored but also created opportunities for their teammates. When you have players who can deliver under pressure, it elevates the entire team. They showed great leadership on the court, and that’s exactly what we needed in such a high-stakes game.
Moderator: Brescia had only one home defeat in their last seven games before this match. Did that add extra pressure on you and your team?
coach De Raffaele: Of course, it did. Brescia’s home record speaks for itself, and playing at PalaLeonessa is always a challenge.But we didn’t focus on their record; we focused on our game plan. We knew if we stuck to our principles and executed well, we coudl make things difficult for them. The pressure was there, but we used it as motivation rather than letting it overwhelm us.
Moderator: This victory is a perfect start to the second half of the season. Do you think this momentum will carry into the Italian Cup quarter-finals?
Coach De Raffaele: Absolutely. This win gives us a lot of confidence heading into the Cup. It shows that we can beat top teams, and that belief is crucial in knockout tournaments. We’ll take it one game at a time, but I’m optimistic about our chances. The players are hungry, and they’ve shown they can rise to the occasion.
Moderator: Looking back at the game, what would you say was the defining moment that shifted the momentum in your favor?
Coach De Raffaele: It’s hard to pinpoint just one moment, but I’d say our defensive stops in the fourth quarter were crucial. We managed to disrupt their rhythm and convert those stops into points on the other end. That’s when I felt the momentum shift. And then, of course, Baldasso’s three-pointer in overtime was the dagger that sealed it for us.
Moderator: what’s next for Tortona? How do you plan to build on this victory?
Coach de Raffaele: We’ll take this win as a stepping stone. The season is long, and there’s still a lot of work to be done. We’ll continue to improve in every aspect of the game and stay focused on our goals. This victory is a reminder of what we’re capable of, and we’ll use it as fuel for the challenges ahead.
Moderator: Thank you, Coach De Raffaele, for sharing your insights. Congratulations again on the win, and we wish you the best of luck in the upcoming games.
Coach De Raffaele: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
Reader Interaction: What did you think of Tortona’s comeback victory? Who do you think was the MVP of the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion!
