RIETI – The Serie A2 phase ends tomorrow. Real Sebastiani Rieti receives Trieste (two-ball at 6pm) and tries to defend third position. The two playoff tables are yet to be established: the Trestini could be the Amarantocelesti’s opponents in the first round.
The opponents
Trieste arrives at the match in full battle for fifth place in the Red group. The path of coach Christian’s talented team has seen ups and downs and tomorrow the goal is to close the regular season in the best possible way and then recover energy in view of the playoffs. The Americans Brooks and Reyes are the main points of reference in attack, but also watch out for the returning Giovanni Vildera, former NPC, who after more than a month returns to enjoy the parquet again. Ariel Filloy is in doubt. Candussi and Ruzzier are fundamental points of reference. Ferrero, Deangeli, Bossi and Menalo complete the rotations together with Campogrande. Rieti has its destiny in its hands: with a victory, third place would be automatic. Trieste has to deal with Rimini and the revelation of the Cividale clock phase which has come back forcefully close to the Trieste players.
Pre-race declarations
Coach Alessandro Rossi talks about the match against the Trieste team like this: «A match with great stimuli, because we are playing against a strong team, which has a roster among the best in this championship. It’s clear that they too had their ups and downs, due to injuries that didn’t give them the chance to express themselves at their best. For our part, the motivation must be to finish this regular season in the best possible way, perhaps with a victory that would guarantee us third place in the Green group. We hope that PalaSojourner will also be a factor against Trieste”
The amaranth-celeste guard Jazz Johnson also speaks: «Sunday’s match is important for many reasons. We must continue to push every day to maximize our potential. We have fought hard all season and now it’s time to conclude the regular season. Trieste is a team we could meet in the first round of the playoffs. For this reason alone it is important to take this match seriously. Finally, we are at our home. Concluding the regular season with a victory at home could be good for the team’s morale. Having said that, we are at home! So we need everyone to come and support us, sing and help continue what has already been so special during the championship. Let’s enjoy the time we have left together and keep this magical season alive for as long as possible! I hope to see everyone on Sunday.”
Jamion Christian, coach of the Trieste team, introduces the match like this: «It’s incredible how quickly the season has gone by. This is the pace of things in this sport, and every single match, practice and day is crucial. We are focusing all our efforts on building momentum for the playoffs. The team is constantly growing and improving. Our philosophy is focused on managing thoughts and establishing good habits. My boys are aware that we can face any team in this championship. I want to focus on the pressure to improve every day and continue to raise our level of competitiveness against the strongest teams. We are aware of the challenges, especially the injuries we have faced. But we are fighting with determination to overcome them. This week we focus on taking responsibility and maintaining the right mindset and attitude. We are working hard, both during training and in mental preparation. The aim is to have all the players in top form to face the challenges that await us. We are confident in our ability to compete at the highest level and are preparing for every eventuality.”
So on the pitch
Real Sebastiani Rieti: Sarto 3, Sanguinetti 5, Petrovic 10, Piccin 13, Hogue 15, Ancellotti 21, Johnson 22, Raucci 24, Poom 30, Italiano 31, Nobile 32, Spanghero 45. Coach Rossi
Trieste: Reyes 0, Bossi 3, Filloy 5, Menalo 7, Deangeli 8, Ruzzier 10, Campogrande 12, Candussi 13, Vildera 14, Ferreri 21, Brooks 55. Coach Christian
Referees: Marco Barbiero of Milan, Andrea Masi of Florence and Michele Centonza of Grottammare (AP)
The other races of the clock phase (X day)
Latina – Forlì
Trapani Shark – Fortitudo Bologna
Cantù – Udine
Turin – Verona
Monferrato Basket – Chiusi
Agrigento – Orzinuovi
Vigevano – Cividale
Luiss Rome – Nardò
Urania Milan – Rimini
Treviglio – Cento
Green group ranking
Drills Shark 56
Cantu 44
Real Sebastiani Rieti 40
Turin 40
Urania Milan 30
Juvi Cremona 28
Treviglio 28
There were 22 in existence
Luiss Roma 18
Agrigento 14
Latin 14
Monferrato Basket 14
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Read the full article at
The messenger
Tags: Sebastiani playoff atmosphere Trieste Rieti Vildera Rossi Great stimuli
