Guerri Napoli suffered a bad defeat, on a comeback from Vanoli Cremona in the final quarter and prevailing 88-81. Treier, a precautionary measure, did not play for the Azzurri due to a sore right knee. The first score is for Napoli with a dunk from Totè.
Scoring is limited, with numerous errors on both sides. After four minutes, the score is 4-3 to Vanoli. After six errors from three, the Azzurri find a long-distance basket with Doyle just entering the game. Totè is called for an unsportsmanlike foul. Cremona extends the lead 14-8 with three minutes left in the first quarter. Bolton scores six consecutive points to tie the game at 14-14. Caruso makes a strong impact, and the first period ends with the Azzurri ahead 16-17. Caruso scored Napoli's first points of the second quarter from the free throw line. Battle put Cremona ahead 20-19. Napoli wasted a lot on offense. At the half of the quarter, Vanoli led 26-20 and Magro called a timeout. El Amin finally made his first three-pointer, immediately followed by Bolton, and the Azzurri tied the score at 26-26, forcing Cremona to call a timeout. With two minutes left in the half, Guerri led 30-31 with Toté's free throws. El Amin hit his third bomb. The teams went into halftime with Napoli ahead 36-38.
Durham scores the first three-pointer of the third period. Napoli responds immediately with El Amin, on fire, Totè, and Flagg. After three minutes, Guerri leads 42-50 and Cremona calls a timeout. Vanoli responds with an 8-2 run. With three minutes left in the third period, the Azzurri lead 53-57 on a a three-point play by Bolton. Marshall also scores the first basket. Caruso and Whaley from the free throw line give Guerri a nine-point lead at 55-64. At the end of the third quarter, Napoli leads 61-68 with Durham's three-pointer at the buzzer. Caruso scores the first points of the decisive final quarter. Cremona responds with a 9-2 run to get back into the game at 70-72. Totè scores two valuable points from the free throw line, But Durham scores eight consecutive to bring Cremona back up 78-74, and Magro calls a timeout. The final is thrilling. Flagg misses a lot. Doyle brings Napoli back to - three with three minutes left.
Burns and Udom make it seven with two minutes left. Bolton tries not to give up, but Vanoli manages the lead and closes out the game by beating Napoli 88-81.
Coach Alessandro Magro:
"We played a largely controlled game, despite the low percentages. Vanoli did well to raise the physicality level, and we turned over some crucial balls. We went completely out of control, unable to perform well on offense, and from that point on, we also fell short on defense, allowing too many easy scores. Durham played a top level game and was decisive. It's a stinging loss because we led the game for much of the time, but we became disjointed in the final minutes, even making poor offensive decisions. With these percentages, it's very difficult to win on the road."
Guerri Napoli will return to action next Saturday, April 4th, facing Germani Brescia away at 6:15 PM.