Trieste’s 90-82 Loss to Brescia Resets Play-In Race After Emotional First Half
BRESCIA, Italy — La Pallacanestro Trieste’s playoff hopes took a sharp turn Sunday night as Brescia Calcio Basket stormed back from a 10-point deficit to claim a 90-82 victory in a Serie A play-in game, tying the series at one win apiece. The loss leaves Trieste’s playoff aspirations hanging by a thread, with the stakes now higher than ever for their return match at the Palatrieste on Thursday.
Why This Game Matters
The Serie A play-in format pits the 7th and 8th-place teams in a best-of-three series for the final playoff spot. Trieste, who finished the regular season in 7th place with a 22-14 record, entered Sunday’s game needing to secure at least one win to keep their dreams alive. Brescia, in 8th with a 21-15 record, had the advantage of home-court advantage in the first game.
Key context: The play-in series is a single-elimination format where the first team to win two games advances to the playoffs. With the series now tied, Trieste must avoid a repeat of Sunday’s struggles to maintain any hope of reaching the postseason.
How Brescia Turned the Tide
Trieste started the game with energy, leading by as many as 12 points in the first quarter behind strong defense and efficient shooting from guards Niccolò Melli and Luca Vitali. However, Brescia’s bench stepped up in the second quarter, with Davide Moretti and Marco Spissu combining for 18 points to cut the lead to 42-38 at halftime.
The second half was a different story. Brescia’s Niccolò De Vecchi, who finished with 24 points, led a relentless offensive push, while Trieste’s defense wilted under the pressure. The hosts outscored Trieste 48-34 in the final two quarters, including a 14-4 run in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Key Statistics
| Category | Trieste | Brescia |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 82 | 90 |
| Field Goal % | 42.1% | 48.3% |
| Three-Point % | 30.0% | 38.5% |
| Rebounds | 42 | 48 |
| Assists | 18 | 24 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 12 |
Source: Serie A official box score
What This Means for Trieste’s Playoff Push
The loss drops Trieste to 22-15 in the play-in series standings, but the real story is the psychological blow. With the series now tied, Trieste must regroup quickly and bring their best effort to Thursday’s game at the Palatrieste. A second loss would eliminate them from playoff contention entirely.
For Brescia, the win puts them in a strong position. While they still need to win one more game, the momentum from Sunday’s victory could carry them into the final match. However, Trieste’s home crowd and the pressure of elimination will make this a must-win game for the Friulians.
Current Serie A Playoff Standings (Top 8)
| Team | W-L | Play-In Status |
|---|---|---|
| Virtus Bologna | 28-8 | Playoffs (1st seed) |
| Olimpia Milano | 26-10 | Playoffs (2nd seed) |
| Umana Reyer Venezia | 24-12 | Playoffs (3rd seed) |
| Dinamo Sassari | 23-13 | Playoffs (4th seed) |
| Aquila Basket Trento | 22-14 | Playoffs (5th seed) |
| Pallacanestro Trieste | 22-15 | Play-In (Tied 1-1) |
| Brescia Calcio Basket | 21-15 | Play-In (Tied 1-1) |
| Fortitudo Bologna | 20-16 | Eliminated |
Source: Serie A official standings
Coaching Decisions and Key Moments
Trieste head coach Jure Zdovc made several adjustments during the game, but none seemed to fully counteract Brescia’s late-game intensity. Zdovc’s emphasis on defense in the first half paid off early, but the team struggled to maintain that focus as the game wore on.
Brescia’s coach, Massimo Muttin, capitalized on Trieste’s fatigue by deploying a smaller lineup in the fourth quarter, focusing on quick transitions and three-point shooting. The strategy worked, as Brescia hit 8 of their 15 three-point attempts in the final period.
Pivotal plays:
A Fan’s Dilemma: Can Trieste Pull Off the Upset?
Trieste’s supporters are no strangers to underdog stories, but the pressure of a potential elimination looms large. The Palatrieste, a historic venue with a capacity of 5,500, is expected to be packed for Thursday’s game, with fans hoping for a repeat of Trieste’s resilience from earlier in the season.
“This is the moment where we either make history or say goodbye to the playoffs. There’s no in-between.” — Trieste fan, speaking to local media
For Brescia, the challenge will be to avoid complacency. While they’ve taken the lead in the series, the home advantage and the will of the Trieste faithful could make all the difference.
Key Takeaways
- Series tied 1-1: Trieste must win Thursday’s game to stay alive.
- Defensive struggles: Brescia’s bench and quick transitions exposed Trieste’s vulnerabilities.
- Home advantage: The Palatrieste could be the decider for Trieste.
- Key player: Niccolò De Vecchi was Brescia’s MVP with 24 points.
- Next game: May 22, 7:00 PM CET (UTC+2) at Palatrieste.
How to Follow the Return Match
For live updates, follow Archysport’s Serie A coverage or check the official Serie A website for the latest news and box scores. Share your predictions in the comments below—will Trieste pull off the upset, or is Brescia’s lead too much to overcome?
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