Great win for Unitiva Napoli Women Basket, who won the away derby against Salerno 47–79 in the match for the fourth day of Group B in Serie A2. Unitiva NWB, still without Kosla and Leghissa, managed to play a high-intensity game, taking home two points and going to 6 points in the standings. A perfect second half by Braidotti’s team proved decisive. The top scorer was Botteghi with 21 points, while Camporeale added 18.
The game started off very balanced, with Potolicchio scoring for Salerno, and Chiovato and Grande for Azzurre. After an exchange of three-pointers between Botteghi and Pellizzari, scores by Gesuele and Camporeale kept the visitors ahead. However, late in the period, a 5–0 run by Salerno led by Mbaye put the home team ahead 15–12 after 10 minutes. Azzurre started the second quarter strong with three-pointers from Camporeale and Chiovato. Botteghi then scored 8 consecutive points, interrupted by a 3-pointer from Kraujunaite. The teams stayed close, but in the final minute before halftime, a 0–5 run by Unitiva capped by Ovner's three-pointer brought the score to 26–32 after 20 minutes.
Unitiva got off to a great start in the third quarter as well. Berrad and Botteghi pushed the Azzurre to 28–40 midway through the period. Salerno scored from the free-throw line with Potolicchio, but Camporeale responded from inside and Chiovato hit a three-pointer for 32–46. Unitiva kept building momentum and closed the third quarter up 34–54 following a basket by Camporeale. The fourth quarter was all Braidotti's squad. A 0–14 run powered by Botteghi, Grattini, and Ovner put the game completely out of reach. Late baskets by Grande and Gesuele sealed the final score at 47–79.
Coach Braidotti:
"We are very happy with this win, which comes after a difficult week of practice. The players did a great job staying focused. In the first half of the game, which was neck-and-neck, we made a few mistakes, but I knew that if we kept up that intensity, we would manage to win the game. And that’s exactly what happened. Now we have our bye week, which we can use to get our injured players back. I'm really happy for the girls."
Unitiva will have a bye next weekend before returning to the court on Sunday, November 8, at 6:00 PM at the Alcott Arena against Alcamo.