At 6.15 pm, at PalaTrento, the direct confrontation for the race for fifth place in the LBA ranking will take place between Dolomiti Energia Trentino Andd Outside Pistoia. The baskets of Willis and Moore and the presence in the area of Ogbeide will be necessary for the Tuscans to try an external attack which seems very difficult: despite the fact that only Alviti remains in the role of winger, the Eagle has in fact come from two victories in a row, a spoils exactly opposite to those of Pistoia, and can obviously count on the strong field factor.
Coach Nicola Brienza he returns to Trentino as an opponent for the first time after his dismissal in January 2021.
Third fourth
First possession, stop and winning shot by Baldwin. The number 44, however, plays the next attack badly, Ogbeide deposits an alley oop and a few moments later finds a turn on the line: 2/2 and a new +15 Pistoia. Forray immediately shortens with the triple and Mooney also appears again with the stop and shot of -10. At 7’42” Willis scores 49-61. Perfect circulation and Willis again scores from distance, then replies in isolation to Biligha and Forray’s points, finding an immediate reply from Alviti. With exactly 5′ on the clock it’s 56-69 after Moore’s 2/2.
Second quarter
The Tuscan fans also arrive with a delay. Del Chiaro scored from an offensive rebound, before a counterattack by Alviti with an additional free throw and a talented triple by Varnado. 23-29 at 8’24”. The physique of the guest number 23 also creates problems near the rim and signs the +7, confirmed by Willis’ penetration and Della Rosa’s triple from the corner in response to Alviti. 29-36 at 5 ’28” and third foul called on Del Chiaro. A foul by Biligha denies the dunk of the year to Varnado, who makes 1/2 from the line, but Della Rosa extends the lead to 31-40 with the step back from 3. Galbiati timeout in the middle of the period. Hubb unlucky from the arc, Ogbeide throws long and Hawkins’ bomb is born: it is the first double-digit lead for Pistoia. Biligha 2/2 to take a breather, but from the corner he also hits Willis who then scores the +15 with his back to the basket. New timeout for Trento at 3’19”. Vintage Baldwin with the running hook and 6 in a row for Biligha to restore rhythm to the Bianconeri, even if Ogbeide and Willis soften the impact. 41-52. Long and unnerving consultation of the instant replay , the conclusion is not explained. Moore and Ellis 1/2, then forgotten Hawkins who scores two points for interference on the field goal 42-55.
First quarter
Baldwin, Forray, Mooney, Alviti, Biligha vs Moore, Willis, Wheatle, Hawkins, Ogbeide
Mooney immediately scores from the center of the area and Ogbeide with the dunk in traffic. After 2′ Trento takes the lead 7-2 with two targets from Biligha and a free throw from Alviti. After the former Olimpia it’s Baldwin’s turn, who brings his score to 11, while Estra responds with bombs from Wheatle and Moore to equalize, then with another 4 from the American point guard to make it 11-15. Guests at +6 with Hawkins, but Hubb picks up the pace and leads a break of 7-0, 20-19 2′ from the siren. Super Saccaggi with the dive and the assist for Moore, then Varnado hits the back and the basket: at the tenth it is 20-24.
Formations
Trent: Ellis, Hubb, Alviti, Conti, Forray, Cooke, Biligha, Mooney, Baldwin, Diarra; coach Galbiati
Pistoia: Willis, Della Rosa, Moore, Saccaggi, Del Chiaro, Varnado, Wheatle, Hawkins, Ogbeide, Metsla; coach Brienza
