The dream promotion of DAI Optical Virtus Basket Molfetta crashes at Capo d’Orlando, i.e. in Game 3 of the semi-final. It ends at the Infodrive Arena 69-61 between the home team and the white and blues of Virtus. And therefore, promotion to the National Serie B will be an entirely Sicilian issue between Orlandina and Ragusa. Virtus was unable to impose itself against a tough team, equipped for promotion, but nevertheless faced with courage and without fear. The Virtus that took the field in Game 3 showed themselves to be more attentive and enterprising than in the match seven days earlier in Sicily, so much so that they remained glued to their opponents for almost the entire duration of the match. A match that remains in strong balance starting from the first quarter with the blue and white immediately ahead thanks to the achievement of Aramburu and to the triple of Stefanini. Orlandina’s equalizer was immediate and reached 5-5 and 7-7 after the two free throws made by Calisi. Good approach to the race Glory who, five minutes into the quarter, comes in and scores; the captain does the same Ant with a triple that brings Molfetta to 12-14. The two teams face each other without discounts and in the most absolute balance, although it is Virtus who ends the first quarter with the advantage on the result of 18-21 after the triple of Sirakov and its further two points arrived from the lunette. In the first minute and a half of the second quarter, the defenses of the two teams prevailed and prevented their scorers from scoring. Orlandina does it with Jasaitis followed by Sirakov’s response, whose triple gives the hosts a +4. At 20-24 Capo d’Orlando doesn’t let Virtus extend despite Stefanini’s further triple. And in fact the Sicilians’ overtaking reaches 32-31 for a second quarter that will end on 36-33. Down by three points at half time, coach Carolillo tries to reorganize his team who return to the Infodrive Arena parquet ready to battle their opponents. For a good part of the third quarter they succeeded very well, managing with Stefanini and Aramburu to regain the lead at 38-39. All in vain, because, as happened at the end of the second quarter, Capo d’Orlando’s response was not long in coming: the home team quickly moved up 39-45 and tried to escape. The first attempt is in vain because the blue and white do not give up and with Aramburu and Sirakov (both from the line) they catch Capo d’Orlando again, reaching the draw at 45-45 and then overtaking with Gloria at 45-47. It’s an illusion that lasts less than a minute because the Sicilians return to +3 and extend further at the end of the third quarter which closed on the result of 53-47. The start of the last quarter doesn’t go any better for Virtus whose disadvantage against Orlandina continues to grow. At 59-50 the task becomes increasingly difficult for Carolillo’s men who do not fully exploit the opportunities from the free throw line, missing several free throws that could have fueled the comeback. Capo d’Orlando sees the final getting ever closer and rejects the latest blue and white attacks that arrive with Sirakov and Armaburu’s triple. It is Gatti, the best scorer of the evening, who brings down the curtain on Game 3 which Orlandina wins by 69-61. An undoubtedly positive season ends for DAI Optical, which has given emotions to the numerous fans who have never failed to support the team and the club. «I am really very proud of how the team approached this series of races and the entire season which turned out to be a success for us anyway. – commented the President Andrea Bellifemine – Honor goes to Orlandina, a very strong, well-equipped team that deserves to move up in category».
Scoreboards:
DAI Optical Virtus Basket Molfetta: Aramburu 20, Sirakov 12, Calisi 2, Stefanini 8, Formica 6, Paglia 0, Gloria 13, Giorgini 0, Sadreika none, Mezzina none, Annese none. All. Carolillo.
Infodrive Orlandina Basket: Carida 7, Jasaitis 11, Gatti 22, Mascherpa 4, Moltrasio 3, Palermo 6, Favali 2, Marini L. 4, Agbortabi 10, Mentonelli 0. All. Bolignano.
