Cantù, Italy – In a fiercely contested regional derby that lived up to its storied rivalry, Pallacanestro Cantù edged out Mariano Comense 78-75 on April 19, 2026, at the PalaBancoDesio in a result that could prove pivotal for both teams’ postseason aspirations in Italy’s Serie A2 Basket league.
The victory, secured in front of a passionate home crowd of approximately 3,200 fans, marked Cantù’s third consecutive win and moved them to 22-10 on the season, tightening their grip on a playoff berth in the highly competitive Western Conference. Mariano Comense, meanwhile, fell to 18-14, leaving their postseason hopes hanging by a thread as they now trail the eighth and final playoff spot by 2.5 games with just five regular-season games remaining.
“This wasn’t just about two points,” said Cantù head coach Andrea Trinchieri in his postgame press conference. “It was about pride, about resilience, about showing our fans that we belong in the conversation when the lights are brightest. Mariano Comense came to fight, and we had to match that intensity — and then some.”
The game unfolded as a tactical chess match, with both teams trading leads throughout the first three quarters. Cantù started strong, building an early 12-5 lead fueled by sharp perimeter shooting from guard Marco Belinelli, who finished with 18 points and four three-pointers. Mariano Comense responded with a 10-0 run midway through the second quarter, led by the aggressive drives of import wing Jamal Crawford (no relation to the NBA veteran), who finished with a game-high 22 points and 7 rebounds.
Entering the fourth quarter, the teams were knotted at 58-all. What followed was a back-and-forth slog defined by defensive stops and clutch free-throw shooting. With 2:15 remaining and Cantù up 75-73, Mariano Comense had a chance to take the lead after forcing a turnover. However, a questionable offensive foul call on Crawford’s drive halted the rally, and Cantù capitalized on the ensuing possession.
Belinelli, who had been relatively quiet in the second half, received the inbound pass, drove baseline, and kicked it out to open shooter Tommaso Oxilia in the corner. Oxilia, a 24-year-old Italian product coming off the bench, drained a go-ahead three-pointer to make it 78-75 with 1:02 left. Mariano Comense’s final possession ended in a missed jumper as the buzzer sounded, sparking wild celebrations on the Cantù bench.
“That play was designed for Marco to attack and kick,” Trinchieri explained. “But when the defense collapsed, Tommy made the right read. He’s been working on that corner three all season — it paid off when we needed it most.”
Oxilia finished with 12 points, including three three-pointers, while Belinelli added 4 assists and 3 steals. Cantù’s frontcourt also contributed significantly, with center Matteo Imbrò recording a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, including two crucial offensive boards in the final minute that led to second-chance opportunities.
For Mariano Comense, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, especially given their strong third-quarter surge that had given them a 55-52 lead. Head coach Luca Bechi acknowledged the tough break but emphasized the positives.
“We executed our game plan for 38 minutes,” Bechi said. “We moved the ball well, we defended with purpose, and we gave ourselves a chance to win. Unfortunately, we didn’t make the plays we needed at the end. That’s basketball — sometimes it comes down to a call, a bounce, a single possession. We’ll learn from this and get ready for the next one.”
The derby victory carries added significance beyond the standings. Cantù, one of Italy’s most historic basketball clubs with multiple Serie A titles and EuroLeague appearances in its past, has been rebuilding over the last few seasons after financial struggles led to a relegation in 2021. This season’s resurgence, fueled by a blend of experienced veterans and emerging local talent, has rekindled hope among fans in Lombardy.
Mariano Comense, while lacking Cantù’s silverware pedigree, has established itself as a tough, well-coached outfit known for defensive discipline and player development. The two clubs, separated by just 15 kilometers along the shores of Lake Como, have developed one of Italy’s most intense regional rivalries, with games often drawing heightened attention from local media and passionate fanbases.
Looking ahead, Cantù will travel to face third-placed Urania Milano on April 24, a matchup that could further solidify their playoff positioning. Mariano Comense hosts struggling Virtus Bologna in a must-win game on April 25 — a contest that could define their season.
As of April 20, 2026, Cantù sits sixth in the Serie A2 Western Conference standings with a 22-10 record, while Mariano Comense is ninth at 18-14. The top eight teams advance to the playoffs, with the quarterfinals set to begin on May 5.
For continued updates on Italian basketball, including Serie A2 standings, player stats, and upcoming fixtures, fans can follow the official Lega Pallacanestro Serie A2 website.
What did this derby win indicate for Cantù’s playoff push? How did the tactical adjustments in the second half shift momentum? And what adjustments might Mariano Comense make heading into their final stretch run? These are the questions that will linger in the Lake Como basketball corridor as the regular season winds down.
Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest developments as the race for postseason positioning heats up across Italy’s second-tier basketball league.
Next checkpoint: Cantù vs. Urania Milano – April 24, 2026, 8:00 PM CEST / 6:00 PM UTC at PalaLido, Milan.
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