Pallacanestro Titano dropped an 82-80 decision to Italia Chef Piacenza on opening night at the Multieventi Sport Domus, falling just short after erasing a late double-digit deficit in the final seconds.
Early Three-Point Shootout Sets the Pace
The season opener began at a frantic scoring pace as both teams traded perimeter shots from the opening tip. Captain Federico Macina and Nick Rinaldi converted early three-pointers to stake the Titans to an initial advantage. A subsequent long-range shot by Tommaso Ugolini pushed the lead out to 20-10 with six minutes elapsed in the opening quarter.
Piacenza responded immediately through outside shooting of their own, establishing themselves as a formidable contender for the upper tier of the league standings. Marco Galli cut into the deficit before a free throw by Bona capped the first quarter at 25-26. The opening ten minutes featured twelve total three-pointers, with six converted by each squad.
Titans Reclaim the Lead Before Halftime
Piacenza edged ahead early in the second quarter when Lombardi scored to make it 25-30. The hosts answered through Rinaldi, Macina, and Benzi to reclaim the momentum. Pallacanestro Titano controlled the tempo thereafter, moving ahead 36-32 near the 14-minute mark of the match.
With Rinaldi sidelined due to early foul trouble, Dragomanni stepped up to provide productive minutes off the bench for coach Amadori’s side. The hosts maintained their narrow edge through the remainder of the period, carrying a 45-42 advantage into the locker room at halftime.
Piacenza Surges Ahead in the Second Half
The visiting side shifted the momentum immediately after the intermission. Guaccio and Bona orchestrated a scoring run that pushed Piacenza back in front. Defensive intensity increased significantly on both ends, resulting in a scoreless drought before the offenses found their rhythm again.
Piacenza held a 50-47 lead by the 26th minute, though the Titans fought back to stay within striking distance as the third quarter ended 59-60. Fusco leveled the score at 64-64 early in the final period, but Piacenza responded with a decisive offensive break led once again by Guaccio and Bona.
A Dramatic Finish at the Multieventi
Entering the final two minutes down 66-78, Pallacanestro Titano appeared entirely out of contention. Fusco converted two free throws and Macina hit a three-pointer to cut the margin to 71-78 with 50 seconds remaining. Ugolini then connected from beyond the arc to make it a four-point game with 13 seconds left on the clock.
Following two made free throws by Bona, Fusco answered with another three-pointer with five seconds remaining. The Titans immediately forced a turnover on the ensuing inbound pass, and Fusco was fouled while attempting a desperation three-point shot. He converted all three free throws to tie the game at 80-80.
Piacenza quickly advanced the ball up the court on the final possession, setting up Bona to score the game-winning basket on the final siren to seal the 82-80 victory.
Italia Chef Piacenza Beats Pallacanestro Titano 82-80
Pallacanestro Titano scorers: Rinaldi 18, Fusco 16, Macina 15, Ugolini 14, Dragomanni 7, Benzi 5, Renzi 3, San Martini 2, Capelli (ne), Falcioni (ne). Coach: Amadori.
Italia Chef Piacenza scorers: Bona 28, Guaccio 14, Galli 12, Bassani 11, Pescatori 7, Fumi 3, Rigoni 3, Lombardi 4, Livelli (ne), Camara (ne), Oukara (ne). Coach: Maioli.
Quarter scores: 25-26, 45-42, 59-60, 80-82.
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