Torino, Italy – A hard-fought battle in the Italian Serie C basketball league saw Torino Teen Basket secure a 61-57 victory over Azimut Pallacanestro Vado on Sunday. Despite the loss, Pallacanestro Vado maintains the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage in the league standings.
The game, played at the PalaFerrua in Torino, went down to the wire, with both teams trading baskets in a tense final period. While Vado started strong, establishing an early lead through inside scoring and post play by Philip Mbeledogu, Torino Teen responded effectively, ultimately securing the win with crucial late-game plays.
Vado came out aggressively, attacking the paint and finding success in both driving to the basket and feeding the ball to Mbeledogu. However, their defensive efforts proved less effective, allowing Torino Teen opportunities to stay within striking distance. The first quarter ended with Vado leading 20-17.
The second quarter saw a more determined effort from Torino Teen, but Vado answered with a series of key shots. Borro connected on two three-pointers, and Bontempi added a basket just before the halftime buzzer, tying the score at 36-36. The game remained incredibly competitive, with both teams demonstrating resilience and a willingness to fight for every possession.
Upon returning from the break, Torino Teen began to discover their rhythm offensively, while Vado struggled to convert their opportunities. A strong finish to the third quarter, spearheaded by Di Matteo, gave Torino Teen an eight-point advantage heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Vado mounted a spirited comeback, fueled by a 11-0 run led by Borro and Bontempi, briefly regaining a three-point lead. However, Torino Teen quickly responded, tying the game with a basket from Ripepi. Despite solid defensive efforts from Vado, they were unable to regain the lead, as Gilli’s late penetrations proved decisive for Torino Teen, sealing the 61-57 victory.
For Torino Teen, Pesci led the scoring with 13 points, while Di Matteo added 13 and Gilli contributed 8. Ripepi, the team captain, added 7 points. Vado was led by Bontempi with 16 points, followed by Mbeledogu with 13 and Borro with 12.
TO TEEN: Ferilli 5; Savasta 2; Guggia; Russano 5; Pesci 13; Pecchenino 4; Ripepi (cap.) 7; Di Matteo 13; Gilli 8; Montalbetti 4; Toma n.e.. All. Toso Ass. Musso and Bergo.
VADO: Buttafuoco 3; Patrone; Borro 12; Bertolotti; Berta 7; Tridondani D. (cap.); Bontempi 16; Cerminara n.e.; Cacace n.e.; Mbeledogu 13; Traore 6. All. Saltarelli Ass. Dagliano and La Rocca.
The game was officiated by Cavallina and Luciano.
Despite the setback, this result doesn’t significantly alter the Serie C landscape. Pallacanestro Vado remains a competitive force in the league, and the head-to-head tiebreaker against Torino Teen could prove crucial as the season progresses. The team will need to refocus and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they hope to contend for the championship.
Looking ahead, Pallacanestro Vado will aim to bounce back in their next contest. Details regarding their upcoming schedule and opponents were not immediately available, but updates can be found on the team’s official website, www.pallacanestrovado.it. Fans can also follow the team’s progress on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pallacanestrovado/.
The Serie C league continues to be a tightly contested competition, with several teams vying for playoff positions. The outcome of these games will undoubtedly have significant implications for the final standings and the race for the championship title. Archysport will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the Italian Serie C basketball league throughout the season.
