LIVORNO, Italy – La Pallacanestro Don Bosco extended its impressive winning streak to six games, overcoming a slow start to defeat Virtus Certaldo 78-68 on Thursday evening at the PalaMacchia in Livorno. The victory propels Don Bosco into contention for second place in the Serie C standings, pending other results.
Virtus Certaldo, battling to avoid relegation playoff spots, arrived in Livorno in good form following a decisive win against league bottom-dwellers Rosignano. However, they ultimately couldn’t withstand the sustained pressure from Giuseppe Di Manno’s squad.
Slow Start, Strong Finish for Don Bosco
The game began with Virtus Certaldo taking an early 4-0 lead, but Don Bosco quickly responded with a 9-0 run to seize control. The first period ended with Don Bosco ahead 19-15, establishing a lead they would largely maintain throughout the contest. The teams traded baskets in the second quarter, with Virtus Certaldo briefly leveling the score at 22-22 thanks to a 7-0 run, but a late surge by Don Bosco gave them a 19-15 advantage at the end of the first quarter.
The pivotal third quarter saw Don Bosco extend its lead, finishing the period with a 12-point cushion. This proved to be the foundation for their eventual victory, as they closed out the game with a final score of 78-68. The win marks the sixth consecutive victory for the team, a testament to their recent form.
Artioli Leads the Way
While specific individual statistics weren’t immediately available, reports indicate that Artioli, consistently one of the league’s top scorers, played a key role in the victory. The team as a whole has been averaging eight more points per game than Virtus Certaldo, a factor that proved crucial in securing the win.
Virtus Certaldo relied heavily on the scoring of guards Giacomo Ricci, who averages 13 points per game, and forward Giulio Maltomini, who contributes 11.3 points per game. Leonardo Mencherini (9.8 points) and Samuel Lucas Silveira (9.5 points) also contribute to their offense. However, their overall offensive struggles – they have the second-lowest scoring offense in the league at 66 points per game – ultimately hampered their ability to challenge Don Bosco consistently.
Defensive Battle
The game featured a contrast in styles, with Virtus Certaldo prioritizing defense, allowing only 71.5 points per game – the fifth-lowest in the league. Don Bosco, however, demonstrated a more potent offensive attack. This difference in offensive output was evident throughout the game, as Don Bosco consistently found ways to score.
Don Bosco was without the injured Dadomo for this contest, but coach Di Manno assembled a starting lineup of Deliallisi, Regoli, Bresinski, Lemmi, and Artioli. Virtus Certaldo countered with Ceccarelli, Ricci, Maltomini, Rettori, and Lucas Silveira.
What’s Next for Don Bosco?
La Pallacanestro Don Bosco now awaits the results of other Serie C games to determine their final position in the standings. Their current form suggests they are strong contenders for a high playoff seed. The team will gaze to continue their winning streak in their next matchup, aiming to solidify their position among the league’s elite.
Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and schedule through the official Pallacanestro Don Bosco website: https://www.pallacanestrodonbosco.it/
