The New Marsala Basketball is preparing for another fiery chapter of the Serie C: on Saturday 24 January, at 6.30 pm, the white and blues of PalaMedipower will go to the PalaVirtus in Trapani to meet the Virtus Trapaniin a Trapani derby that promises sparks, valid for the 17th day of the regular season of the championship.
The people from Marsala arrive at the match with sky-high morale after the convincing victory obtained against Peppino Cocuzza Basket Milazzo, which ended 90-74 within the friendly walls of PalaMedipower. A collective performance that thrilled the crowd present, with coach Peppe Grillo’s boys capable of accelerating in the second quarter (26-15) and closing with authority in the final (22-15), demonstrating maturity and defensive compactness. Each member of the roster contributed with points, steals and assists, confirming the growth of the group under the technical guidance of Grillo and assistant Andrea Anteri, who praised the positive signs that emerged from the match.
On the other hand, Virtus Trapani arrives in Marsala fresh from a bitter episode: the match against CUS Palermo, played at PalaCus, was suspended in the 33rd minute with a score of 71-58 for the guests due to a cowardly attack by four hooded individuals against the Trapani fans in the stands. The Sports Judge of the Federbasket Sicilia ordered the replay of the match, as the referees ruled out links with the home fans and classified the episode as an act of violence unrelated to sport, despite the request for public force by the CUS. A regrettable fact that interrupted a challenge already directed towards Trapani, leaving the bitterness of a dangerous precedent in Sicilian basketball.
This clash takes on epic contours because it is the return of the first leg derby, played on Sunday 16 November 2025 at PalaMedipower, where NPM prevailed 78-66 in an evening to remember. Marsala dominated the first two quarters (25-16 and 22-15), resisted the opponent’s comeback in the third (11-13) and managed in the final (20-22), thanks to an orderly defense and lethal counterattacks. The absolute protagonist was Justas Vieversys, author of 29 points in 30 minutes with leadership plays on both sides of the pitch, supported by a team effort that demonstrated the work in training and the warmth of the “sixth man” from Marsala
Virtus needs precious points to remain in the leading group, while NPM aims to consolidate its upward path.
