From zero to Serie A2 in just two seasons: Gesteco’s dream has come true, now the derby with Apu

Vigevano scrambled under the pressure of the 2,500 of the sports hall. Miani super. It is the promotion of the Micalich-Pillastrini duo

CIVIDAL. Ueb Gesteco Cividale writes an important piece of Friulian basketball history. Dominating game 5 of the play-off final of the Serie B championship against Elachem Vigevano, the ducals earned promotion to A2.

After the tumultuous exit from the Apu Udine two years ago, the president Davide Micalich will challenge you in an unprecedented derby.

It is the victory of Micalich but also of coach Pillastrini, after the bitter defeat in race 5 last year in Fabriano capable of continuing in a winning project that led to three finals in two years between the Super Cup and the Italian Cup, even if all they had been lost. This time, however, the goal was achieved.

In a sold-out PalaGesteco (2,738 fans in attendance) the atmosphere is very hot right from the start. Right from the start, the hosts take the lead in the game making it clear to their opponents that their home is difficult to conquer twice.

In 5 ‘the score already marks 16-10; Merchant enters and starts: 16-16. But it is a flash in the pan because Vigevano does not have the inertia to find the advantage and the eagles take over again and close the first 10 ‘on 24-17. Millennial Gabriele Miani was decisive in this fraction with 13 points on the scoresheet, as well as 4 rebounds and 1 steal.

Even in the second fraction there is no story between the two teams: the men of coach Pillastrini are too precise and prepared for the men of Piazza who continue to suffer and end up in the locker room at 47 – 28.

The shooting percentages make the difference: on the one hand, Cividale has 70% from two (16/23) and 33% (3/9) from three points; on the other hand, the Lombards have 43% (7/16) from two points and 17% (3/17) from three points.

Upon returning to the field, the mission of the guests, supported by many fans, is practically impossible: to stop the Cividale battleship, a really important partial would be needed, which however does not arrive. Also in these 10 ‘it is Ueb who dominate with 5 triples: so after 30’ the score is 70 – 48.

It goes without saying that the last period is only a side dish to a race that has always been led by captain Chiera and his teammates. There is a party at the palace well before the final 82-63. Big party. And now? Coach Pillastrini, half a team, will remain, with him also the historical group.

The enigma remains Chiera: he is the star but the Argentine in Serie A2 either plays as a foreigner or cannot play. Is it a sustainable risk for a newly promoted company? This is the dilemma.