Foggia – The Clean Up Molfetta suffered a hard-fought 80-69 defeat at the hands of the Cus Foggia in the 22nd round of the Serie C interregionale basketball league on Sunday. Despite a spirited effort, Molfetta couldn’t overcome a strong second-half performance from their opponents and a challenging situation with key players sidelined.
A Difficult Road Match for Molfetta
The visiting Clean Up Molfetta faced a tough challenge, entering the game without Sasso, Mongelli, and Sciangalepore. Adding to the difficulties, captain Didonna picked up three early fouls, further limiting the team’s options. Despite these obstacles, coach Gesmundo’s squad managed to remain competitive for much of the contest, ultimately falling short in the final stages.
Game Recap
Molfetta started strong, with Costa, Chiriatti, Solimini, Kotnik, and Didonna forming the starting lineup. A quick three-pointer from Chiriatti and a basket by Infante gave the visitors an early lead (9-8). However, Foggia quickly responded, tying the score and then taking a slight advantage. A series of three-pointers from both sides kept the game close, before Molfetta pulled ahead with a 7-0 run, led by Chiriatti, Infante, and Mongelli, to establish a 22-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Molfetta extend their lead to double digits, reaching a peak of 38-22. However, Foggia began to mount a comeback, capitalizing on Molfetta’s offensive struggles. A 12-0 run by Cus Foggia quickly erased the deficit, and the teams went into halftime with Molfetta leading 38-34.
The turning point came in the third quarter. After a brief attempt by Didonna to regain momentum, Foggia took control, exploiting Molfetta’s fatigue and limited rotations. They surged ahead, building a significant lead and closing the third quarter with a 70-55 advantage, effectively sealing the outcome.
In the final quarter, Molfetta fought with pride, relying on the efforts of Didonna, Kotnik, Chiriatti, and Altamura. They managed to narrow the gap somewhat, but Foggia maintained control and secured the 80-69 victory.
Standout Performances
Despite the loss, several Molfetta players delivered strong performances. Didonna led the team with 13 points and 3 assists, while Kotnik contributed 12 points. Costa added 11 points and 3 assists. These performances were particularly noteworthy given the challenging circumstances and the absence of key teammates.
Coach Gesmundo’s Perspective
Following the game, coach Gesmundo acknowledged the difficulty of the match. “We tried to disrupt the game by exploiting some of their weaknesses, but our limited rotations and their quality shooting percentage allowed Foggia to win,” he said.
Gesmundo also praised his team’s effort. “It was important to compete and show character, and we did that.” He then looked ahead, stating, “We will continue to work hard in preparation for the final stretch of the season, overcoming the difficulties as we always do, starting from August.”
Standings and Remaining Schedule
Despite the defeat, the Clean Up Molfetta remains in sixth place in the Serie C interregionale standings. With four games remaining in the regular season, concluding on April 4th, the team will require to regain momentum and consistency to secure a favorable position for the playoffs.
The team will need to focus on regaining energy and finding a consistent rhythm as they navigate the final stretch of the tournament.
