The new year starts with a good home victory for the Ribera Knights, who beat Pallacanestro Messina 76-69 on the second return day of the FIP DR1 Sicilia 2025/26.
The new basketball year opens in the best possible way at PalaMoncada, the scene of an intense and high-profile match between Ribera Knights Basketball and Pallacanestro Messina, valid for the second return day of the DR1 FIP Sicily – West Group championship. First match of the calendar year and an immediate atmosphere for great occasions, with warm stands and lots of enthusiasm on both sides.
The Knights, undefeated league leaders with a long streak of consecutive victories, face a Messina who are anything but intimidated by the home team’s CV. From the first lines it is clear that it will not be the classic “one-way” race that the Ribera public has been accustomed to this season.
The first quarter flows on tracks of great balance: controlled rhythms, aggressive defenses, good percentages and a score that grows slowly but in a mirror-like manner. The tension is palpable, but the quality of the game remains high, with both teams orderly and attentive to their opponents’ moves.
In the second period Messina slightly raises the intensity, makes good use of transitions and hits its goals, going into halftime with a 5-point lead. The Knights remain fully in the game, aware that something more will be needed to undermine the visitors’ organization. Upon returning from the locker rooms, the third quarter is a real battle: Messina concedes nothing and continues to play with personality, while Ribera responds blow for blow, strengthening the defense and trying not to make too many mistakes under the basket. At the penultimate siren the margin is reduced, with the Knights forced to chase but ready to give their all.
This is where technical guidance comes in. Short but intense, the interval between the third and fourth period becomes the key moment: Coach M’Sakni compacts the group, arranges the last rotations and directs his players towards the final assault. In the last quarter the Cavalieri take to the field with only one objective: to win on their own parquet.
The energy changes, PalaMoncada pushes and Ribera raises the level on both sides of the pitch. Bellavia, Cuffaro, Kazlauskis and Trupia lead the team with plays of substance and character, well supported by the precious contribution of Mokoi, Moricca Paoli and Adriano, fundamental in managing decisive possessions.
A victory built towards the end with determination and tenacity, another piece that confirms the solidity of the Knights but also certifies the value of a never-tame Pallacanestro Messina, capable of seriously putting the league leaders to the test.
Now the gaze is already turned to the next match: the Ribera Knights Basketball will return to the field for the third day of return on January 18th, away to Cefalù, where the match against the Cefalù Basket Academy awaits them.
SCORES
Bellavia 19 | Cuffaro 19 | Kazlauskis 14 | Troop 13 | Adrian J. 6 | Moricca 3 | Paul 2 | Mokoi 0 | Karak 0 | Pieces 0 | Win 0 | Zabbara 0
