Panthers Roseto Edge Magnolia Campobasso in Playoff Opener
Campobasso, Italy – The La Molisana Magnolia Campobasso faced a tough start to their playoff campaign, falling 56-58 to the People Strategy Panthers Roseto on Saturday, March 23, 2026, at La Molisana Arena. A late game buzzer-beater sealed the victory for Roseto, setting up a crucial game two this Thursday.
The tightly contested match saw several lead changes, with Campobasso battling back from significant deficits. Despite a strong performance from several players, including Miccoli with 12 points, and Madera’s 10 points and 11 rebounds, they couldn’t overcome Roseto’s late surge. The series shifts to Roseto for game two, placing immense pressure on the home team to even the score.
First Half Struggles, Second Half Fight
Roseto established an early lead, jumping to a 4-10 advantage in the opening minutes. Gray responded for Campobasso, trading baskets with the visitors. Madera attempted to ignite the Campobasso offense, but Roseto maintained their composure, extending their lead to 12-15 at the end of the first quarter thanks to a late basket by Meldere.
The second quarter saw Roseto further extend their advantage, reaching a peak of eight points. However, Campobasso refused to yield. Morrison scored, and a timeout called by coach Sabatelli seemed to refocus the team. Makurat contributed with a mid-range jumper, and a three-pointer from Giacchetti narrowed the gap. Despite a brief interruption due to a scoreboard issue that paused the game for three minutes at the 14’10” mark (score 17-24), Campobasso continued to chip away at the deficit. A late basket from Morrison kept the game within reach, ending the half at 26-30.
Campobasso’s Third-Quarter Push, Roseto’s Response
The third quarter witnessed a renewed energy from Campobasso. A three-pointer by Giacchetti tied the game at 36-36. Miccoli then ignited the crowd with a three-pointer, giving Campobasso their first lead of the night at 39-38. Madera continued to be a force inside, securing rebounds and converting on free throws, pushing the lead to 41-38. However, Roseto quickly responded, regaining the lead and extending it to 43-47 before the end of the quarter.
A Nail-Biting Finish and Roseto’s Victory
The final quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Morrison brought Campobasso within striking distance, and Gray’s basket gave them a brief lead at 53-52. However, Roseto answered with free throws, regaining a narrow advantage. With the score tied at 56-56, Espedale hit a buzzer-beater to secure the 56-58 victory for the Panthers.
The game was a physical contest, with Campobasso grabbing 42 rebounds to Roseto’s 32, led by Madera’s impressive 11 rebounds. Campobasso too recorded 16 assists, with Giacchetti dishing out 5, compared to Roseto’s 11 assists, led by Caloro with 4. Campobasso shot 9 of 10 from the free-throw line, while Roseto converted 8 of 15.
Coach Sabatelli Reflects on the Loss
Following the game, Campobasso coach Mimmo Sabatelli acknowledged Roseto’s strong performance. “First of all, congratulations to Roseto, who came here and played a courageous game,” Sabatelli said. “In our case, something was missing. There is a lot of disappointment since now we have to go to Roseto and give our best to turn the series around and bring it back for a decisive game three on Sunday.”
What’s Next for Magnolia Campobasso?
The La Molisana Magnolia Campobasso faces a must-win situation in game two against the People Strategy Panthers Roseto on Thursday, March 25, 2026, at 20:45 local time (6:00 PM UTC) at the PalaMaggetti in Roseto degli Abruzzi. A victory is essential to keep their playoff hopes alive and bring the series back to Campobasso for a decisive game three. Fans can follow updates and live scores on SofaScore.
Key Statistics:
- La Molisana Magnolia Campobasso: Madera (10 points, 11 rebounds), Miccoli (12 points), Gray (10 points)
- People Strategy Panthers Roseto: Espedale (15 points), Utsby (14 points), Puisis (12 points)
The presence of Andrea Capobianco, the head coach of the Italian women’s national basketball team, in the stands added another layer of interest to the game, potentially scouting talent for future national team selections.
Will Campobasso be able to bounce back and secure a victory on the road? The answer to that question will determine their fate in this first round of the playoffs.
