Napoli Basketball wins again, defeating Unahotels Reggio Emilia 99–93 at the end of a highly intense game played at the Alcott Arena. The Azzurri completed a superb comeback after ending the first quarter 11 points behind. Coach Repesa, in addition to Totè and Ramsey, could not count on White, who was rested as a precaution. The two top scorers were Dowtin Jr. and Jakimovski, with 17 points each.
The game started evenly at the Alcott Arena. Reggio got off to a good start, while Napoli responded through Tarczewski and Dowtin Jr. The visitors managed to build a lead, driven by the Italian duo of Uglietti and Rossato, even reaching an advantage at 21–9. Shooting percentages improved, Spissu hit a three-pointer and Ogbeide responded, setting the score at 34–23 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Reggio Emilia, with Visconti, continued to maintain a double-digit lead at 40–27. However, the second half of the quarter belonged to Napoli. With Caruso and Jakimovski, Napoli Basketball managed to close the gap. Three-pointers from Spissu and Brown sent the Alcott Arena into celebration as Napoli took the lead. Edwards scored late in the quarter to make it 50–49.
At the beginning of the third quarter, Brown and Uglietti traded baskets. Dowtin Jr. then scored four consecutive points, while Visconti answered with three, making it 62–60 to Napoli after four minutes. The Azzurri continued their strong run, with Brown and Jakimovski extending the lead to 67–60. Tarczewski then fouled out. Reggio got back on the scoreboard through Rossato. Caruso scored from inside, but Rossato responded with a three-point play to make it 71–68 with three minutes remaining in the quarter. Edwards and Faggian traded three-pointers, before Bamford scored four consecutive points late in the quarter to give Reggio a 77–76 lead. The fourth quarter was played at a very high intensity. The teams exchanged baskets throughout. Bamford put Reggio back ahead, before a magnificent Dowtin Jr. responded. Seljaas hit a three-pointer to make it a four-point game, but then committed his fifth foul. Reggio came back within striking distance thanks to a three-pointer from Severini, while Rossato also fouled out. Uglietti then put Reggio ahead, but Brown restored Napoli's lead. The teams continued to score baskets. Bamford brought Reggio within one point, but in the closing stages Dowtin Jr.'s free throws proved decisive, securing the final 99–93 victory for Napoli.
Napoli Basketball will return on the court on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m., away against Buducnost, in the second round of EuroCup Group C.
Coach Repesa:
“I expected a game like this for many reasons. Playing every three days is certainly different from playing one game a week. They had more time and energy to prepare the game. It was important to start well, but unfortunately we weren't able to do that.
We conceded 40 points in the first 14 minutes and 11 offensive rebounds in the first half. Being ahead at halftime was truly incredible. During the last five minutes of the second quarter, we managed to defend well and find our rhythm.
Everyone was dealing with foul trouble, but we were good at staying in the game. We used our bench extensively, and that was one of the reasons for our success.
It was an important game, and I want to congratulate the team on the victory. Hopefully, our approach to the game can serve as a lesson for us ahead of the next few games.”