Solid in defense and fluid in attack with 5 players in double figures, Rucker scored the decisive run in the third quarter (29-12), also winning the battle for rebounds, in front of a crowd that acted as a sixth man. Double double for Oxilia (14p+10r) and Cacace (11p+10r), Gluditis and Calbini 7 assists, Di Emidio 6, Laudoni and Chiumenti finished with 14 and 13 points respectively. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday 7th at 8.30pm at Zoppas Arena.
Coach Michele Carrea’s comment: “The boys showed great will in doing the things they needed to win, so I want to congratulate them on the positive things they put on the field tonight. Game 1 always hides dangers for the home team, due to the pressure that the opening match brings with it. Winning it was important, as was being aware that we only have a small advantage, that tonight’s gap shouldn’t distract us from facing game 2 with the same determination we had tonight. We have collected the hard work of these last two weeks, we are focused on this series which we know will be a very tough series because Avellino will certainly try to react emotionally and technically. I want to thank our fans with whom we hope to share the longest possible journey in these playoffs.”
RUCKER – AVELLINO 90-69 (26-18; 43-38; 72-50)
RUCKER: Zacchigna 8, Chiumenti 13, Laudoni 14, Gobbo NE, Oxilia 14, Gluditis 7, Vettori 5, Di Emidio 6, Perin, Dalla Cia, Cacace 11, Calbini 12. All. Carrea
AVELLINO: Alvini A. NE, Alvini S. NE, Burini 2, Giunta 5, Vasl 10, Verazzo 10, Carenza 5, Bortolin 4, Nikolic 10, Chinellato 15, Fresno 8. All. Crotti
Referees: Luchi and Rinaldi
