Too Much Viola for Superconveniente Ragusa, Reggio Takes Down Palapadua

At PalaPadua, SuperConveniente suffers its second home loss of the season: Viola Reggio Calabria defeats Ragusa 67-85 in the big match of the 24th day of Serie B Interregional. The match is directed by an outstanding performance from Marco Laganà, the modest shooting percentages from beyond the arc by the home team (5/18), and the clear dominance on the boards by the visitors (43-27). With this victory, the Calabrians consolidate their top position in the standings, +2 over Virtus and with one game to recover. For the Ragusa team, the generous performance of Adeola stands out, scoring 20 points upon returning after two games of suspension; meanwhile, the absence of Ianelli, sidelined due to physical issues, is significant.

The start has the rhythm and intensity of the playoffs. For SuperConveniente, Cardinali starts strong, solid defensively and precise from beyond the arc, but after Zampa's three-pointer, Viola relies on Laganà, who scores six consecutive points to make the first real break (6-11 at 5’). Adeola lights up early, while Brown struggles to find the basket and the Virtus attack is limited to 15 points in the first quarter.

Coach Cadeo's team imposes very high pressure: contributions from Fiusco and Marini, then a three-pointer from the corner by Laquintana for 15-24 at 10’.

In the second period, Di Gregorio pulls a wild card from the bench, Giovanni Tumino: his full-court defense — complete with a drawn offensive foul — gives courage and produces turnovers. Ragusa comes back to within -2 with a three-pointer from Cardinali (24-26). Two brilliant plays by Marini and Lanzi enhance a competitively bright quarter, but at the end, it is still Viola that strikes: thanks also to a straight-on three-pointer from Marini, Reggio goes into halftime leading 34-42.

Upon returning, the Viola remains firmly in command and, driven by Marini, aggressively attacks the game again. The Virtus, still with reduced rotations among the guards due to the absence of Ianelli, loses clarity in attack. Brown scores the first field goal with 4'45" left in the third quarter. A three-pointer by Adeola seems to reopen the game and prompts Cadeo to call a timeout at 43-48, but the return of the orange and black is decisive: an immediate break of 0-8 signed by Agbortabi, Clark, and Laquintana. The margin reaches +15; Adeola and Brown try to limit the damage, however, at 30' it is 47-58.

In the final quarter, SuperConveniente climbs back to -7, with the ball in hand and a finally incisive Brown. However, the game is decided by episodes: a couple of offensive hesitations cost dearly, and the Viola escapes again, 53-66 at 33', propelled by a classy basket from Laganà and a dunk from Zampa. The clock ticks away unfavorably for the home team: the guest lead rises to +16 with a free throw from Clark (59-75 at 36'), then Marangon seals the deal. It ends 67-85. After two consecutive victories, SuperConveniente faces a new setback. Next Sunday, away at Milazzo, is the first opportunity to bounce back.

THE SCOREBOARD

SuperConveniente Virtus Ragusa-Viola Reggio Calabria 67-85

SuperConveniente Virtus Ragusa: Brown 14, Cardinali 5, Piscetta 4, Fabi 6, Tumino 2, Adeola 20, Peterson 9, Lanzi 7, Barracca ne, Ianelli ne. Coach: Di Gregorio

Viola Reggio Calabria: Fiusco 9, Agbortabi 2, Marangon 4, Laganà 16, Fernandez Pena 2, Zampa 11, Marini 15, Maresca 5, Clark 12, Laquintana 9. Coach: Cadeo

Referees: Beccore from Messina and Tartamella from Erice

Partial scores: 15-24; 34-42; 47-58.

Notes. Fouled out: Marini (RC)