After a strong first half from Irpinia, Gluditis (21) leads Rucker’s comeback in the third period (34-14), the Bianconeri pay for the effort at the end and are punished by two baskets from Vasl. Compared to game 1, the percentages from 2 (36% with 16/44) and free throws (53% with 9/17) were deficient. The series now moves to Avellino, with game 3 scheduled for Friday 9th at 8.30pm at the Pala Del Mauro.
Coach Michele Carrea’s comment: “Between two high-level teams like us and Avellino it is normal for there to be gaps in the score, we are in the playoffs. We were very good at reacting to the disadvantage, at equalizing our energy, perhaps we adapted too late to a very permissive refereeing method that was decidedly different from that of game 1, we should have put in much more physicality like that which was granted to our players opponents. The big regret is that we lost because we conceded two baskets from the player to whom we shouldn’t have allowed two shots in those decisive moments. We understand this lesson and we will show up in Avellino with this additional experience in our baggage: to be more cynical when necessary.”
RUCKER – AVELLINO 74-76 (18-29; 31-45; 65-59)
RUCKER: Zacchigna 5, Chiumenti 4, Laudoni 9, Oxilia 12, Gluditis 21, Vettori, Di Emidio 11, Perin NE, Dalla Cia NE, Cacace 10, Calbini 2. All. Carrea
AVELLINO: Alvini A. NE, Alvini S. NE, Burini 4, Giunta 4, Vasl 15, Verazzo 6, Carenza 7, Bortolin 16, Nikolic 10, Chinellato 4, Fresno 10. All. Crotti
Referees: Giovagnini and Caneva
