La SuperConveniente Ragusa gioca di squadra e torna al successo in trasferta

SuperConveniente Ragusa finds external success after 42 days and, in the eighth day of the return leg of the Serie B Interregionale, conquers the Tensostatico di Castellaneta with a score of 100-97, joining Viola Reggio Calabria at the top of the standings. Next Sunday, the PalaPadua will host the direct clash.

The Virtus arrives in the best way, compensating for the second absence of Adeola (suspended) with a solid team performance. Special mention goes to captain Ianelli, who scored 18 points with an impeccable 4/4 from three, and to the duo Brown-Fabi, both at 21, with the icy Argentine in the decisive possessions.

High-intensity start, with the offenses taking center stage. Lanzi gives the guests the first break (+4 at 9-13), but the home team responds immediately with a 5-0 run, capped by a three-pointer from Contini, reversing the momentum. Castellaneta is effective around the rim; Brown ties it at 19 with a central penetration. The duel remains spectacular and full of baskets. Ragusa takes the lead again thanks to free throws from Piscetta and Brown; in the last two and a half minutes of the period, no more points are scored, and the first quarter ends at 29-30.

In the second quarter, coach Di Gregorio tightens the defense, utilizes the depth of Piscetta, disrupts the passing lanes of the Pugliese team, and accelerates in transition: Ianelli completes a three-point play on an assist from Brown (40-45 at 14'). The momentum seems to shift with the three-pointer from Fabi that makes it 44-50 at 18'. However, the white-reds stay close, led by Lopez Postigo and solid performances from Diaz, Tamulis, and Contini, all nearing double digits by halftime. The teams head to the break with Virtus slightly ahead: 48-50.

The game opens with a 7-0 run for the home team, interrupted by a stop and shoot from Brown. A fine assist from Fabi sets up Lanzi, who from the arc ties the game at 55-55. The same Fabi takes charge with two close-range three-pointers for 61-65. However, the script repeats itself: Valentino Castellaneta, by raising the intensity, regains the lead with D’Apice. Virtus raises the physical and mental level: Peterson is ready and, along with Cardinali and Brown, reduces the maximum advantage of the Apulians (74-69). At the last mini-break, it’s a perfect tie: 75-75.

In the fourth period, Ragusa starts decisively and two three-pointers from Ianelli dig the gap (80-86 at 33’). The defense holds, Piscetta signs the +8, then D’Apice stops him on the next play, giving a bit of momentum back to the locals. Diaz slams it down in the open court for 84-88, then D’Apice shortens it to 87-90 at 36’. Ojo takes charge of the home attack, but it’s once again Ianelli, from the corner, who hits the fourth three-pointer and gives oxygen back to SuperConveniente: 91-95. The visitors enter the last minute with a comfortable possession margin. Ojo scores on a drive, Brown is ice-cold at the free-throw line (2/2). With 17 seconds on the clock, Ojo responds from the line, but Fabi remains steady and hits two more free throws. The last prayer from half court by Buono hits the front rim. Virtus takes home two crucial points and reopens the race for the top spot.

THE SCOREBOARD

Valentino Basket Castellaneta-SuperConveniente Virtus Ragusa 97-100

Valentino Basket Castellaneta: Diaz 13, Ojo 23, Postigo Lopez 8, Spina Diana, Buo 6, D’Apice 18, Casarola ne, Tamulis 8, Buono 4, Contini 17. Coach: Luisi

SuperConveniente Virtus Ragusa: Cantone ne, Brown 21, Cardinali 4, Piscetta 8, Fabi 21, Tumino 2, Peterson 12, Lanzi 14, Ianelli 18. Coach: Di Gregorio

Referees: Anselmi from Ruvo di Puglia and Procacci from Corato

Partial scores: 29-30; 48-50; 75-75.

Notes. Fouled out: Ianelli (R)