An exciting debut for Unitiva Napoli Women Basketball, who, on the opening day of Group B of the Italian Women’s Serie A2, defeated PF Umbertide 73-70 after two overtime periods, in front of 300 spectators at the Alcott Arena.
The first basket of the season was scored by Kosla. The Polish player of Unitiva NWB scored 7 points in a very balanced first quarter, which ended with Napoli leading 18–15. Umbertide’s reaction in the second quarter was immediate. With a 10–2 run, coach Staccini’s team took the lead midway through the quarter, making it 25–20. Napoli tried to fight back, but Umbertide went into halftime with a 36–30 advantage.
Umbertide scored the first basket of the third quarter after two minutes of play. Led by Kosla, Napoli responded with an 8–0 run to tie the game at 38–38 with four minutes remaining in the period. Leghissa then put Napoli ahead, 40–38. The third quarter ended with Napoli leading 50–47. At the start of the final and decisive quarter, Napoli extended its lead to five points thanks to the ever-reliable Kosla, forcing Umbertide to call a timeout. Napoli defended aggressively, but Umbertide cut the deficit to one point at 58–57 with four minutes remaining, prompting coach Braidotti to call a timeout. The closing minutes were intense. With two minutes left, Grande put Napoli back ahead, 60–58, from the free-throw line. Giudice tied the game for Umbertide, but Kosla scored to make it 62–60 with one minute remaining. Sorrentino tied the game again from the free-throw line. The teams headed into overtime tied at 62–62. Umbertide scored first in overtime through Trozzola. Then Botteghi and Grattini hit two three-pointers to put Napoli ahead 68–66 with 90 seconds remaining. Another basket from the ever-dangerous Trozzola tied the game at 68–68, sending it into a second overtime. Ovner scored the first two points of the second overtime for Napoli, but Trozzola tied the game once again. Kosla made one of two free throws to put Napoli ahead. Napoli continued to defend strongly and captain Berrad sealed the victory from the free-throw line, making it 73–70 and securing a spectacular and thrilling win over highly regarded Umbertide.
Coach Braidotti:
“It was an exciting game, played in front of a great crowd. We are very happy to have achieved the first victory in the history of this new club. I’m delighted for the girls; their hard work over the past few weeks has been rewarded with a very important result against a team that, like us, has the goal of making the playoffs.”
Unitiva NWB will return to action for the second round of the championship, travelling to face Matelica next Saturday, October 10, at 6:30 p.m.