Sanders’ shot of victory on the iron, then Tortona yields in the overtime. Thursday race 3
VOGHERA
The steady balance of Race 2 is broken by accuracy at the bezel. At extra time the hand of the Eurobasket Atlas does not tremble, unlike that of the Lions (59%), and Tortona goes to Ferentino on Thursday and Saturday to avoid leaving the series. It ends 85-80 for Roma who with courage and will beat Tortona led by Sanders in double double (18 points, 12 rebounds).
The first period is a personal challenge between Fabi% Cannon and the Romans. Immediately in the low post with Bucarelli and Olasewere to free the outsiders, Rome’s tactical plan in race 2 remains the same. Two bombs arrive for the Eurobasket, while Cannon is the author of the first eight points. The race is high-scoring, Rome led by Romeo leads 15-9. The Pilot area creates difficulties, to overcome it Tortona tries to run and the partial is entirely the work of Fabi who has three consecutive baskets. The first quarter at a high pace ends 24-20 for a bold Rome. The fluency and courage of the Atlas continues also in the second period, but the break to close the gap is the work of captain Tavernelli with a bomb that gives parity. The Lions begin to find good spacing with Sanders in the role of scorer and for Tortona it is the first advantage (34-31). Before the long siren Tortona goes out, loses balls after balls (9) and closes the first half down by three points (42-45). The two teams are constantly exchanging the lead and once again it is the last period that is decisive. Psychologically the Eurobasket absorbs and reacts all the attempts of the Lions. With the rotation of the external players reduced because even yesterday Ambrosin did not set foot on the field (something must have happened because it is from race 4 with Ravenna that has practically no longer seen the field), Tortona with a break (10-3) moves forward of 6 points. But once again Rome has the strength to mend with Bucarelli until Sanders begins to dominate on both sides of the field although the advantage remains only four points with several missed opportunities to extend with a minute from the end. Viglianisi shortens, Olasewere floats for 71-71. The situation, 19 ”from the end, is a copy of game 1, but this time Sanders’ shot ends on the first iron.
Tortona betrayed by the free
Bertram wasted many chances for the free players and got stuck in the long run, while Roma built the advantage from the line and with Bucarelli’s bombshell (82-76). With Cannon starting well and then out of the game, Olasewere’s hand (21 points) and Viglianisi is firm and Roma conquers the PalaOltrepo.
Silver Scoreboard (semifinal): Turin-Verona 69-51 (series 2-0), Bertram– Eurobasket 80-85 (1-1). –
Marco Quaglini