Scotti, fourth place goes from away matches Only Vigevano undermines the primacy of S. Miniato

Play off sprint, Pavia can still overtake Legnano The direct clash in Tuscany remains decisive for Elachem

PAVIA

The anomalous Easter round has reinvigorated the ambitions of Riso Scotti and Elachem, both victorious in high-ranking direct clashes with Alba and Omegna. Pavia (seven successes in the last nine games played) has shaken off the Piedmontese and now holds the fifth position alone, while Vigevano has detached the rivals with whom it shared the place of honor, keeping pace with the leaders San Miniato (who he won it, suffering, in the Florentine derby), 2 points ahead.

The team of coach Ugo Ducarello, who today or tomorrow will present the new acquisition Quartieri, play guard destined to replace the injured D’Alessandro at least numerically in the staff, confirmed to PalaRavizza that they are going through an excellent moment of form, despite the related problems to the absence of D’Alessandro himself and to Sorrentino’s physical troubles, essential for supporting Calzavara in directing and letting the young Varese talent catch his breath if necessary. Scotti have four games left to consolidate their play off placement and think about fourth place, still the prerogative of Legnano (who will face Pielle Livorno today). A race that will go through three trips (San Giorgio, next Sunday; Omegna on the last day of the regular season, 8 May, and Livorno on the Pielle side in recovery on a date yet to be fixed, probably in the week between 1st and May 8) and the home match on May 1 with Oleggio. A calendar that is not very simple, but not impossible, while that of Legnano seems more complicated: Livorno, Cecina (the only match on easy paper), San Miniato and Alba. Pavia, loser in head-to-head clashes, must however not only support the Milanese but also break them in the standings.

Vigevano for its part is expected Saturday from the trip to Livorno, Libertas side, then the match at Basletta with the unsafe Cecina and finally the big match in Tuscany against San Miniato from which the definitive verdict on the primacy of the group will probably arise.

As is known, the first eight formations of group A qualify for the playoffs, which will then face (in the best of five games series) the first eight of group B. Here is the current situation: Juvi Cremona and Gesteco Cividale in the lead with 48 points; Gemini Mestre and Rucker Belcorvo Sanvendemiano follow with 36; Withu Bergamo at 38; Fiorenzuola, Rimadesio Desio, Civitus Alleanz Vicenza at 28. –