La Pallacanestro Reggiana staged a decisive second-half comeback to defeat APU Old Wild West Udine 80-74 in the third-place playoff, turning a halftime deficit into a hard-fought victory through a dominant defensive performance in the final ten minutes.
How Reggio Emilia Overcame Udine’s Early Momentum
The fixture at the tournament showcased a shifting dynamic across four quarters. APU Old Wild West Udine established control early, taking a 19-17 edge after the opening period and extending their advantage to 42-39 by halftime. Udine maintained pressure through the third quarter, outscoring UNA Hotels Reggio Emilia 25-18 to build a seven-point cushion heading into the final frame.
That momentum evaporated abruptly when the game entered the fourth quarter. Reggio Emilia’s defense suffocated Udine’s offense, restricting them to just 7 points in the final period while orchestrating a 24-point offensive surge to secure the 80-74 triumph.
Standout Contributors and Box Score Breakdown
For APU Old Wild West Udine, the scoring effort was led by contributions down the roster, including Stjepanovic with 3 points, Mobio with 4 points, and Spencer adding 5 points, as the team fought to hold off Reggio Emilia’s late surge. Reggio Emilia’s decisive fourth-quarter shift proved too much to overcome as the team capitalized on defensive stops and transition opportunities.
What This Result Means for Both Squads
Claiming third place provides a psychological boost as both clubs assess their readiness for ongoing league competition. For Reggio Emilia, the ability to lock down defensively in a high-leverage closing quarter highlights resilience under pressure. Udine, meanwhile, will look to address late-game execution after letting a commanding third-quarter lead slip away in the closing minutes.
