Basket School Messina Edges Viola Reggio Calabria in Thrilling Overtime Contest

MESSINA, Italy – In a tightly contested Serie B Interregionale matchup on Friday, March 29, 2026, Basket School Messina secured a hard-fought 92-86 overtime victory against Viola Reggio Calabria at the PalaTracuzzi. The win, fueled by a raucous home crowd and a stellar performance from Riccardo Pio Vinciguerra, keeps Messina’s playoff hopes alive.

Vinciguerra Leads the Charge for Basket School Messina

Riccardo Pio Vinciguerra was the driving force behind Basket School Messina’s success, delivering a game-high 28 points. His consistent scoring and aggressive play proved crucial in overcoming a resilient Viola Reggio Calabria squad. Giorgio Busco also provided significant support for the home team, contributing key plays throughout the contest. The atmosphere inside the PalaTracuzzi was electric, providing a clear boost to the Messina players.

A Back-and-Forth Affair

The game began with Viola Reggio Calabria establishing an early lead, but Basket School Messina remained within striking distance throughout the first quarter. A pivotal three-pointer from Giordano Chakir late in the first half swung the momentum, giving Messina a narrow 24-23 advantage. The second quarter saw both teams trading baskets, with Viola Reggio Calabria regaining the lead before halftime, going into the break ahead 44-40 thanks to an extra pass from Laganà to Marangon.

The third quarter was marked by controversy as Messina coach Pippo Sidoti was assessed a double technical foul and ejected from the game following a heated exchange with Viola Reggio Calabria supporters. Despite being without their coach, Basket School Messina demonstrated resilience, staying competitive and entering the final quarter trailing 66-65.

Overtime Decides a Classic

The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead. The game ultimately went into overtime tied at 86-86. In the extra period, Basket School Messina seized control, outscoring Viola Reggio Calabria 6-0 to secure the 92-86 victory. The win was a testament to the team’s determination and ability to perform under pressure.

Standings Implications and Playoff Race

With the win, Basket School Messina maintains its eighth-place position in the Serie B Interregionale standings with 26 points. This result is critical as they continue to push for a playoff berth. Viola Reggio Calabria, meanwhile, slipped to third place, overtaken by Virtus Ragusa, who defeated Basket Corato 87-77 at the PalaPadua. Virtus Ragusa’s victory marked their tenth win at home this season, thanks to the coaching of Massimo Di Gregorio.

Virtus Matera Remains Dominant

At the top of the league table, Virtus Matera continues to demonstrate its dominance, securing a 36-point standing with a convincing win over Svincolati Milazzo. Valle and Roberto led the scoring for Virtus Matera with 20 and 19 points respectively. For Svincolati Milazzo, Skesters and Luca Bolletta contributed with 13 and 12 points, respectively. However, Svincolati Milazzo suffered a blow this week with the departure of experienced playmaker Valerio Costa, who has moved to B Nazionale with Dany Basket Quarrata.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matchups

The Serie B Interregionale action resumes on Wednesday, April 8, with a slate of games featuring several key matchups. Svincolati Milazzo will host Basket School Messina in a crucial contest, while Basket Barcellona will face off against Academy Catanzaro. Virtus Ragusa will have a bye in this round.

Basket Barcellona continued their strong form with a 81-76 victory over Adria in Bari, with Lautaro Fraga and Thomas Aguzzoli each scoring 19 points. This win moves them into a tie for fifth place with Academy Catanzaro and Basket Monopoli, all with 28 points.

In the relegation battle, Svincolati Milazzo are now level on 22 points with Valentino Castellaneta, who secured a 91-81 win against Bim Bum Basket in Rende. The race to avoid relegation is heating up as the season progresses.

The league is proving to be highly competitive, with several teams vying for playoff spots and battling to avoid the drop. The upcoming matches on April 8 promise to be filled with drama and excitement.

For fans eager to follow the action, stay tuned to official league channels for updates, scores, and schedules. The Serie B Interregionale continues to deliver thrilling basketball action, and the race for the playoffs is reaching a critical stage.

Next Up: Svincolati Milazzo vs. Basket School Messina on Wednesday, April 8. Check local listings for game time and broadcast information.

What are your thoughts on Basket School Messina’s chances of making the playoffs? Share your predictions in the comments below!