Giulianova, Italy – A thrilling weekend of action in Italy’s Serie A wheelchair basketball league has dramatically reshaped the championship picture. The Deco Amicacci Abruzzo delivered a stunning upset, defeating league-leading Unipol Briantea84 Cantù, while Dinamo Lab Banco di Sardegna capitalized on the opportunity to draw level at the top of the standings. The league is now set for a captivating finish as teams battle for playoff positioning.
The biggest surprise of the 16th matchday came on Saturday, March 28th, as Amicacci secured a 61-59 victory over Cantù, handing the defending champions only their second loss of the season. This result mirrors their earlier win against Briantea84, signaling a clear statement of intent from the Abruzzo-based team. The win also mathematically guarantees Amicacci a spot in the playoffs.
The match at the Palacastrum was a tightly contested affair. Amicacci started strong, but Briantea84 fought back, briefly taking a seven-point lead, fueled by strong performances from Alessandro Carossino (20 points) and Simone De Maggi (14 points). But, a strategic adjustment by Amicacci coach Di Giusto, bringing in McIntyre for Mehiaoui, proved pivotal. A series of crucial baskets from Italian national team player Joel Boganelli swung the momentum back in favor of the home side.
With the score tied at 59, Briantea84 had a chance to regain the lead, but a missed free throw by Tanghe proved costly. In the final seconds, Gabriel Benvenuto (17 points) hit a game-winning shot as the buzzer sounded, securing the victory for Amicacci and sending their fans into raptures. The win is a significant achievement for Amicacci, demonstrating their ambition to be a contender throughout the remainder of the season.
Dinamo Lab Banco di Sardegna took full advantage of Briantea84’s slip-up, securing a dominant 80-40 win against Banca delle Terre Venete Vicenza. The Sardinian team’s victory was comprehensive, with five players scoring in double figures. Italian player Papi led the way with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. The win brings Dinamo Lab to 28 points, tying them with Briantea84 at the top of the Serie A standings. The two teams are now poised for a highly anticipated showdown after the Easter break.
Further down the standings, S. Stefano Kos Group strengthened their playoff aspirations with an 84-52 victory over Asinara Waves E-Ambiente. The win gives S. Stefano a two-point lead (effectively four points considering the head-to-head record) over Asinara in the race for the fourth playoff spot. Vigoda (25 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists) and Giaretti (19 points, 8 rebounds) led the charge for S. Stefano, while Asinara’s Choudry, despite scoring 18 points, struggled with his shooting accuracy (6/16 from the field).
SBS Montello also secured a crucial win, defeating Menarini Volpi Rosse Firenze 79-60, thanks to strong performances from Miceli (20 points), Sbuelz (16 points, 6 rebounds), and Korean center Kim (23 points). Reggio Calabria Bic also claimed a road victory, defeating Crich PDM Treviso 67-50, with Marcondes scoring 20 points and Sripirom adding 16. Treviso’s Da Silva Pelizari (11 points) and Favretto (double-double) couldn’t prevent the loss, despite a 44% shooting percentage.
Serie A – Matchday 16 Results:
- SBS Montello – Menarini Volpi Rosse Firenze 79-60
- Deco Amicacci Abruzzo – Unipol Briantea84 Cantù 61-59
- Dinamo Lab Banco di Sardegna – Banca delle Terre Venete Vicenza 80-40
- S. Stefano Kos Group – Asinara Waves E-Ambiente 84-52
- Crich PDM Treviso – Reggio Calabria Bic 50-67
Serie A Standings:
- 28 points: Unipol Briantea84 Cantù, Dinamo Lab Banco di Sardegna
- 24 points: Deco Amicacci Abruzzo
- 20 points: S. Stefano Kos Group
- 18 points: Asinara Waves E-Ambiente, Reggio Calabria Bic
- 10 points: SBS Montello
- 6 points: Crich PDM Treviso, Menarini Volpi Rosse Firenze
- 2 points: Banca delle Terre Venete Vicenza
The upcoming match between Dinamo Lab and Briantea84 promises to be a pivotal moment in the season, with both teams vying for the top spot. The game will be played in Meda, and fans can expect a fierce battle between two of Italy’s premier wheelchair basketball teams. The league will resume after the Easter holiday break.
The Deco Amicacci Abruzzo’s victory over Briantea84 has injected new life into the Serie A title race, proving that any team is capable of challenging for the championship. With several teams still in contention for playoff spots, the remainder of the season is sure to be filled with excitement and drama.
In cover photo: Joel Boganelli (Amicacci). Photo credit: Foto Capone x Amicacci
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Italian Serie A wheelchair basketball league, including updates on the Dinamo Lab vs. Briantea84 showdown and the ongoing playoff race.
