Milazzo, Italy – The La Svincolati Academy Milazzo secured a hard-fought 86-82 overtime victory against Basket Giarre on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in a Poule promozione Serie C matchup at the PalaMilone. The game, a back-and-forth affair, saw four players from the winning side score in double figures, while Fabrizio Maida of Giarre delivered a standout performance despite ending up on the losing side.
The contest was a tightly contested battle from the opening tip. Gabriele Vitale opened the scoring with a three-pointer for Giarre, quickly answered by Aquilino Lado for the Academy. Early momentum swung back and forth, with Elia’s shots giving Giarre a brief lead (7-12), but a quick response from Onwuta and Letizia leveled the score at 12-12. The first quarter concluded with a 13-13 tie, setting the stage for a competitive game.
The second quarter saw La Svincolati Academy begin to find their rhythm. Aiello’s scoring sparked a run, extending their lead to 19-17, and further contributions from Aiello and Irienti pushed the advantage to 24-19. Giarre battled back, with Leonardi, Maida, and Signorino narrowing the gap to 29-32. A strong finish to the half from Cardinali and Aliprandi restored some control for the home side, ending the first half with a 41-37 lead.
The third quarter brought a shift in momentum as Giarre, playing without Ruggero Elia due to injury, mounted a comeback. Vitale and Maida’s three-pointers brought Giarre within striking distance (50-48), and a subsequent 10-0 run completely flipped the script, giving them a 54-58 advantage heading into the final frame. The loss of Elia clearly impacted Giarre’s rotation, but they capitalized on their offensive opportunities.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. Aliprandi, Doria, and Aiello orchestrated a quick response for Milazzo, regaining the lead at 59-58. The final minutes were a back-and-forth exchange of baskets, with Maida continuing to shine for Giarre, sinking crucial shots to keep his team in contention. Maida’s two late three-pointers put Giarre ahead 71-75. A foul on Aliprandi sent him to the free-throw line, where he converted two of three attempts (73-75). Vitale then made one of two free throws with 23 seconds remaining (73-76). In a dramatic finish, Irienti hit a clutch shot as the buzzer sounded, forcing the game into overtime at 76-76.
Overtime proved decisive for La Svincolati Academy. Aliprandi opened the period with a crucial three-pointer, and Letizia added to the lead with successful free throws, establishing an 83-76 advantage. Giarre attempted to rally, with Egwoh and Vitale connecting on late three-pointers (84-82), but Onwuta sealed the victory for Milazzo with key baskets, finalizing the score at 86-82.
Fabrizio Maida led all scorers with an impressive 31 points, including five three-pointers, earning him MVP honors despite the loss. For La Svincolati Academy, Emanuele Aliprandi paced the attack with 16 points, supported by Aiello (14 points), Onwuta (13 points), and Aquilino Lado (13 points). The balanced scoring attack proved crucial for the Academy’s success.
The win propels La Svincolati Academy further into contention within the Poule promozione of Serie C. The team demonstrated resilience and a strong team effort, overcoming a determined Giarre side. The loss for Basket Giarre, despite Maida’s stellar performance, is a setback in their playoff aspirations. Coach Simone D’Urso will need to address the team’s late-game execution and find ways to compensate for Elia’s absence.
The game was officiated by Marcello Barone and Daniele Nigro, with Antonio Cianfara serving as the timekeeper and Maurizio Accordino managing the 24-second clock. Giulia Maria Romano was the official scorekeeper.
Key Stats:
- La Svincolati Academy Milazzo: Aliprandi (16 points), Aiello (14 points), Onwuta (13 points), Aquilino Lado (13 points)
- Basket Giarre: Maida (31 points)
La Svincolati Academy will look to continue their momentum in their next scheduled game, while Basket Giarre will aim to bounce back from this narrow defeat. Fans can stay updated on team news and schedules through their respective official websites and social media channels.
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