A brilliant win for Guerri Napoli, who defeat Dolomiti Energia Trentino 84–74 in the game played at the Alcott Arena. The Azzurri, led by a sensational Doyle, deliver a dominant second half. The decisive moment comes with a 26–2 run in the third quarter.
Scoring was poor in the early stages of the game. Napoli scored a 5-0 minibreak with El Amin and Bolton, while Trento regained the lead with triples from Jasimovski and Battle, making it 9-13 for Dolomiti Energia , Coach Repesa called a timeout. At the end of the quarter, Trento extended the lead from the free throw line, 10-17 at the first break. In the second quarter, Guerri tried to come back, led by Doyle, who brought the Azzurri to -1, forcing Cancellieri to call a timeout. Trento, however, responded with another 0-7 run, interrupted by El Amin's basket, making it 20-26. The visitors continued their scoring with Niang, but Fagian made it 27-34 with one minute left. In the final minute, Battle, from the free throw line, and El Amin scored, making it 30-37.
In the third quarter, Doyle and Flagg led Guerri's comeback, 40-39 after three minutes. Trento called a timeout. The Azzurri continued to run, with baskets from a sensational Doyle making it 55-39 with 2:30 left. The break was 26-2 when Trento scored again with Alldrige, and the quarter ended with Guerri leading 59-45. Trento starts the fourth quarter strong, with a 7-2 break, 61-52, and Repesa calls a timeout. Another three-pointer for Doyle, El Amin brings Napoli back to +13, Steward scores for Trento, Totè for the 71-58 at the half of the quarter. Aldrige and Bolton exchange blows, Totè again for the Azzurri, Bolton scores to +15 with 3 minutes left, 77-62. Trento doesn't give up with Steward, but Bolton scores again. The match ends 84-74for Guerri. Guerri will return to the field next Sunday, May 3rd, on the court of Una Hotels Reggio Emilia.
Box Score:
Whaley 3, Flagg 7, Mitrou-Long, El-Amin 16, Faggian 3, Doyle 26, Caruso 5, Totè 16, Bolton 8, Gloria n.e., Esposito n.e., Ferrara n.e.
Coach Repesa:
"Congratulations to everyone: team, management, ownership, and fans. It was an important won for us. We still have a little chance of making the playoffs, and we must believe in it by playing every game to our best. In the first half, we weren't focused and aggressive; it's a mentality issue. We suffered the things we had planned. In the third period, we reorganized things, and it was a completely different game. I always want to see a team that plays together for 40 minutes, without worrying about personal performance."