Pallacanestro Femminile Prato Secures Season-Ending Win in Serie B Women’s Basketball
Pallacanestro Femminile Prato concluded their Serie B Women’s regular season with a hard-fought 46-39 victory over Nico Basket at the PalaToscanini in Prato, Italy, on April 23, 2026. The win marked the team’s first success after two consecutive losses and lifted them to 12th place in the standings, securing home-court advantage for the playoff playout against Pontedera.
The game began with Nico Basket taking an early lead, as Prato struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the opening quarter. Nico Basket led 13-10 after the first period, capitalizing on quick transitions and Prato’s initial hesitation. However, the home team adjusted their approach in the second quarter, gradually closing the gap through improved ball movement and defensive pressure.
By halftime, Pallacanestro Femminile Prato had seized a narrow 21-22 lead, thanks to a balanced effort that saw contributions from multiple players. The third quarter remained tightly contested, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to establish a significant advantage. At the 30-minute mark, the score stood at 31-32 in favor of Nico Basket, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the contest.
The decisive moment came in the final quarter, when Prato’s offense finally found its rhythm. Guard Giulia Sautariello emerged as the team’s leading scorer with 12 points, including several key baskets in the closing minutes. Her performance was complemented by forward Maroglio, whose timely scoring helped break Nico Basket’s defensive resistance. The duo’s combined efforts sparked a decisive run that shifted the momentum firmly in Prato’s favor.
As the clock wound down, Billi and her teammates maintained their composure, executing crucial defensive stops to preserve the lead. The final buzzer sounded with Pallacanestro Femminile Prato celebrating a 46-39 triumph, a result that not only ended their two-game losing streak but likewise had significant implications for their playoff positioning.
The victory allowed Prato to climb out of the bottom spot in the Serie B Women’s standings, tying with Pontedera and Cmb Valdarno for 10th place. However, due to favorable head-to-head records against those teams, Prato secured the 12th position in the final regular-season standings. This placement granted them home-court advantage for the first round of the playoff playout, where they will face Pontedera in a best-of-three series.
Game 1 of the playout is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the PalaToscanini in Prato, with tip-off set for 9:15 PM local time (7:15 PM UTC). Should a third game be necessary, it would return to Prato on May 9, 2026. The winner of the Prato-Pontedera series will advance to face the loser of the Umbertide-Cmb Valdarno matchup in the next round.
The team’s success was built on collective effort, with contributions extending beyond the scoring column. Guard Chiara Billi provided valuable experience and leadership, even as forward Adelaide Cecchi and center Marianna Franchini offered consistent presence in the paint. The coaching staff, led by head coach Fabrizio Biondi, made critical adjustments throughout the game that proved instrumental in securing the victory.
For Pallacanestro Femminile Prato, this win represents more than just a single game result; it signifies a turning point in their season. After a challenging campaign that saw them record a 5-21 record, the team has demonstrated resilience and the ability to perform under pressure. As they prepare for the playoff playout, the focus will shift to maintaining this momentum and leveraging their home-court advantage to secure a favorable outcome in the upcoming series.
Fans of Pallacanestro Femminile Prato can follow the team’s playoff journey through official club channels and local sports media outlets. The organization remains committed to providing updates on game schedules, player availability and team developments as they navigate the postseason.
The conclusion of the regular season sets the stage for an exciting playoff battle, with Pallacanestro Femminile Prato aiming to capitalize on their recent form and home-court advantage. As the team prepares to face Pontedera, the victory over Nico Basket serves as a testament to their determination and potential for success in the postseason.
To stay updated on Pallacanestro Femminile Prato’s playoff progress and other Serie B Women’s basketball developments, visit the team’s official website or follow trusted sports news sources for the latest information.
