Serie A2 Round 31 (Regular Season): Fortitudo edge Rimini by two points

The Regular Season in Serie A2 is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 7 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 31 in the Serie A2 took place in Bologna. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 7th ranked Rimini (18-12) to fourth ranked Fortitudo (20-11) 78-76 on Saturday evening. Fortitudo made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Lithuanian forward Paulius Sorokas (203-1992, agency: Players Group) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Guard Simon Anumba (193-1996, agency: SLN) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds. Davide Denegri (184-1998, agency: SLN) produced 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Fortitudo moved-up to third place, which they share with Scafati. Rimini at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 12 games lost. Fortitudo is looking forward to face league's leader Pesaro on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Rimini will play against Verona (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Pesaro delivered the twenty third victory. This time they beat 14th ranked Mestre (13-18) 93-75. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Matteo Tambone (192-1994) who helped to win the game recording 25 points. Lorenzo Bucarelli contributed with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Forward Simone Aromando (200-1997) answered with 14 points and 8 rebounds for Mestre. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pesaro have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 23-8 record. Mestre at the other side dropped to the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. They share it with Milano Urania. Pesaro will play against Fortitudo (#3) in Bologna in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Mestre will have a break next round.
The game in Verona was also quite interesting. 4th placed Livorno Libertas (19-12) played at the court of eighth ranked Verona (19-12). Verona defeated Livorno Libertas 84-69 on Sunday. It was a great evening for Tyrus McGee who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. At the losing side Matt Tiby responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Livorno Libertas' coach Andrea Diana rotated ten players and allowed the starting five to rest. Verona have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with defeated Livorno Libertas. Verona will meet Rimini (#8) on the road in the next round. Livorno Libertas will play against Pistoia and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 31 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Cento was defeated by Avellino in a road game 98-94. Juvi Cremona beat Milano Urania at home 98-85. Forli lost to Puglia on the opponent's court 84-87. Scafati managed to outperform Cividale in a home game 90-80. Torino managed to beat Pistoia on the road 80-72. Brindisi defeated Rieti on its own court 90-81. Cento was beaten by Fortitudo in Bologna 78-70. Avellino won against Rieti at home 86-71.
The best stats of 31th round was 24 points and 4 assists by Federico Mussini of Avellino.



Avellino - Cento 98-94

There was no surprise when 16th ranked Cento (10-21) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked Avellino (19-11) 98-94 on Saturday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Avellino forced 21 Cento turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. It was a great evening for American Jaren Lewis (201-1996, college: ACU, agency: JCK Sports Group) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. point guard Alessandro Grande (185-1994) helped adding 18 points and 6 assists. Four Avellino players scored in double figures. Avellino's coach Maurizio Buscaglia used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side American guard Gabe DeVoe (191-1995, college: Clemson) responded with 34 points (!!!) and 6 assists and guard Luca Conti (196-2000, agency: SLN) scored 19 points and 5 rebounds. Avellino have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place. Cento lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventeenth position with 21 games lost. Avellino will meet Forli (#15) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Cento will play against the league's second-placed Brindisi and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Avellino: M.Federico 19+3reb+5ast, G.Alessandro 18+4reb+6ast, L.Jaren 16+10reb+3ast, G.DellAgnello 14+6reb+2ast, J.Jay 9+2reb+2ast, P.Giovanni 8+1reb+1ast
Cento: G.DeVoe 34+2reb+6ast, L.Conti 19+5reb+2ast, S.Davis 10+7reb+6ast, A.Fall 8+6reb+1ast, M.Montano 8+2reb+2ast, E.Tiberti 8+3reb

Verona - Livorno Libertas 84-69

The game in Verona was also quite interesting. 4th placed Livorno Libertas (19-12) played at the court of eighth ranked Verona (19-12). Verona defeated Livorno Libertas 84-69 on Sunday. They outrebounded Livorno Libertas 36-25 including 28 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for American Tyrus McGee (188-1991, college: Iowa St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international point guard Diego Monaldi (185-1993) helped adding 18 points and 4 assists. At the losing side American Matt Tiby (203-1992, college: Milwaukee) responded with 19 points and 9 rebounds and forward Luca Tozzi (200-1999) scored 13 points. Livorno Libertas' coach Andrea Diana rotated ten players and allowed the starting five to rest. Verona have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with defeated Livorno Libertas. Verona will meet Rimini (#8) on the road in the next round. Livorno Libertas will play against Pistoia and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Verona: M.Tyrus 25+7reb+4ast, M.Diego 18+4reb+4ast, J.Justin 14+5reb, L.Andrea 8+3reb+1ast, P.Federico 6+4reb+1ast, B.Riccardo 6+6reb+5ast
Livorno Libertas: M.Tiby 19+9reb+2ast, L.Tozzi 13, A.Woodson 8+2reb+1ast, L.Penna 7+1reb+4ast, F.Valentini 6+1reb+2ast, A.Filloy 5+3reb+1ast

Juvi Cremona - Milano Urania 98-85

No shocking result in a game when eleventh ranked Juvi Cremona (15-16) defeated at home 13th ranked Milano Urania (13-18) 98-85 on Sunday. Juvi Cremona outrebounded Milano Urania 38-24 including 25 on the defensive glass. Juvi Cremona looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was a great evening for American Billy Garrett (198-1994, college: DePaul) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points (made all of his seven free throws). Forward Edoardo Del Cadia (203-1999, college: Detroit, agency: Interperformances) helped adding 11 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. At the losing side the former international swingman Alessandro Gentile (201-1992) responded with 14 points and 7 assists and American swingman Kevion Taylor (196-1999, college: Valpo) scored 19 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Juvi Cremona maintains eleventh place with 15-16 record. Loser Milano Urania keeps the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. They share it with Mestre. Juvi Cremona will meet higher ranked Rieti (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Milano Urania will play against Puglia (#16) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Juvi Cremona: G.Billy 24+4reb+2ast, A.Kadeem 14+4reb+1ast, A.Gregorio 14+3ast, D.Edoardo 11+5reb+5ast, P.Alessandro 9+1reb+8ast, B.Matias 6+2reb+1ast
Milano Urania: K.Taylor 19+2reb+2ast, A.Amato 17+1reb+1ast, G.Alessandro 14+3reb+7ast, A.Morse 11+4reb, G.Sabatini 8+2reb+5ast, M.Cavallero 6+7reb

Puglia - Forli 87-84

There was a minor upset in Ruvo di Puglia where 15th ranked Forli (10-20) was edged by seventeenth ranked Puglia (10-20) 87-84 on Sunday. It was a great evening for American forward Pierre Brooks II (198-2002, college: Butler) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points. His fellow American import point guard Russ Smith (183-1991, college: Louisville) helped adding 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Puglia players scored in double figures. At the losing side American center DeShawn Stephens (203-1989, college: SDSU, agency: Slash Sports) responded with 27 points and 8 rebounds and the former international point guard Stefano Bossi (190-1994, agency: Players Group) scored 20 points and 5 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Puglia moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with defeated Forli. Puglia will meet higher ranked Milano Urania (#13) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Forli will play against Avellino and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Puglia: B.Pierre 23+4reb+2ast, M.Samuele 18+5reb+2ast, S.Russ 16+6reb+6ast, U.Scott 11+5reb+3ast, J.Mihajlo 7+6reb+2ast, A.Micheal 5+2reb
Forli: D.Stephens 27+8reb+2ast, S.Bossi 20+4reb+5ast, R.Gaspardo 11+2reb+3ast, P.Aradori 9+1ast, R.Tavernelli 7+5reb+2ast, D.Harper 4+5reb+2ast

Mestre - Pesaro 75-93

Leader Pesaro delivered the twenty third victory. This time they beat 14th ranked Mestre (13-18) 93-75. Pesaro made 21-of-23 charity shots (91.3 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international guard Matteo Tambone (192-1994) who helped to win the game recording 25 points. Swingman Lorenzo Bucarelli (198-1998) contributed with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Forward Simone Aromando (200-1997) answered with 14 points and 8 rebounds and American guard Seneca Knight (198-2000, college: Illinois St.) added 15 points in the effort for Mestre. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Pesaro have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain first place with 23-8 record. Mestre at the other side dropped to the thirteenth position with 18 games lost. They share it with Milano Urania. Pesaro will play against Fortitudo (#3) in Bologna in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Mestre will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Pesaro: T.Matteo 25+3reb+2ast, J.Jazz 17+5reb+2ast, V.Nicolo 16+5reb+1ast, B.Lorenzo 14+7reb+5ast, B.Alessandro 8+7reb, T.Stefano 8+4reb+2ast
Mestre: S.Knight 15+2reb+2ast, A.Simone 14+8reb+1ast, M.Parravicini 12+4reb+1ast, W.Stewart Jr 10+5reb+2ast, N.Giordano 10+3reb, C.Bechi 7+5reb+2ast

Fortitudo BO - Rimini 78-76

The most exciting game of round 31 in the Serie A2 took place in Bologna. This derby game ended with only two-point defeat on the road of 7th ranked Rimini (18-12) to fourth ranked Fortitudo (20-11) 78-76 on Saturday evening. Fortitudo made 24-of-29 free shots (82.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Lithuanian forward Paulius Sorokas (203-1992, agency: Players Group) fired a double-double by scoring 23 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Guard Simon Anumba (193-1996, agency: SLN) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds. Davide Denegri (184-1998, agency: SLN) produced 14 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and the former international swingman Pierpaolo Marini (193-1993, agency: Players Group) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Fortitudo moved-up to third place, which they share with Scafati. Rimini at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 12 games lost. Fortitudo is looking forward to face league's leader Pesaro on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Rimini will play against Verona (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Fortitudo BO: S.Paulius 23+16reb+3ast, A.Simon 20+5reb+1ast, I.Matteo 11+4reb+1ast, S.Alvise 10+4reb+1ast, P.Toni 7+2reb+2ast, F.Matteo 4+8reb+9ast
Rimini: G.Camara 14+8reb, D.Denegri 14+5reb+8ast, I.Alipiev 13+3reb, P.Marini 13+8reb+2ast, M.Ogden 10+7reb+1ast, G.Tomassini 9+2reb+5ast

Scafati - Cividale 90-80

Rather predictable result when fifth ranked Scafati (20-11) beat at home 7th ranked Cividale (18-13) 90-80 on Sunday. Scafati looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for the former international point guard Bruno Mascolo (192-1996) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. American guard Caleb Walker (194-1989, college: Nebraska) helped adding 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. At the losing side American forward Deshawn Freeman (201-1994, college: Rutgers, agency: One Motive Sports) responded with 15 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Eugenio Rota (178-1999, agency: SLN) scored 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Scafati and four Cividale players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Scafati moved-up to third place, which they share with Fortitudo. Cividale lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Rieti. Scafati will meet Torino (#12) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Cividale will play against Roseto and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Scafati: M.Bruno 19+5reb+7ast, M.Marco 17+1reb+2ast, W.Caleb 12+7reb+5ast, I.Antonio 12+3reb, I.Nazzareno 10+3reb+1ast, A.Terry 10+8reb+1ast
Cividale: D.Freeman 15+8reb+2ast, L.Marangon 14+1reb, E.Rota 12+5reb+5ast, M.Mastellari 11+1reb, L.Redivo 10+4ast, L.Cesana 8+1ast

Pistoia - Torino 72-80

Not a big story in a game when 18th ranked Pistoia (7-24) was defeated at home by twelfth ranked Torino (14-17) 80-72 on Sunday. Torino made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. It was a great evening for American forward Robert Allen (206-2000, college: N.Texas, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points and 6 rebounds. His fellow American import Macio Teague (193-1997, college: Baylor) helped adding 19 points and 4 assists. Four Torino players scored in double figures. At the losing side American Karvel Anderson (188-1991, college: RMU) responded with 17 points and the former international point guard Lorenzo Saccaggi (188-1992) scored 13 points. Torino maintains twelfth place with 14-17 record. Pistoia lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighteenth position with 24 games lost. Torino will meet at home higher ranked Scafati (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Pistoia will play against Livorno Libertas (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Torino: A.Robert 19+6reb+3ast, T.Macio 19+1reb+4ast, M.Federico 13+4reb+4ast, S.Umberto 12+3reb+1ast, S.Matteo 6+1reb+3ast, S.Giovanni 6+1ast
Pistoia: K.Anderson 17+4reb+2ast, L.Saccaggi 13+4reb+1ast, G.Stefanini 9, F.Gallo 9+6reb+2ast, F.Cosimo 7+1reb, S.Zanotti 6+1reb+1ast

Brindisi - Rieti 90-81

Everything went according to plan when second ranked Brindisi (20-10) won against at home 8th ranked Rieti (18-13) 90-81 on Saturday. Brindisi forced 22 Rieti turnovers. Strangely Rieti outrebounded Brindisi 36-23 including 24 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for American guard Zach Copeland (193-1997, college: Illinois St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 21 points. The former international guard Andrea Cinciarini (191-1986, agency: SLN) helped adding 10 points and 5 assists. At the losing side American Dustin Hogue (198-1992, college: Iowa St.) responded with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import guard Darius Perry (188-1999, college: UCF) scored 14 points and 6 assists. Five Brindisi and four Rieti players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Brindisi maintains second place with 20-10 record having four points less than leader Bergamo. Loser Rieti dropped to the ninth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Cividale. Brindisi will meet Cento (#17) on the road in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Rieti will play against Juvi Cremona (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Brindisi: C.Zach 21+2reb+2ast, F.Blake 15+2ast, M.Lorenzo 11+2reb+2ast, M.Gabriele 11+3reb+3ast, C.Andrea 10+3reb+5ast, R.Todor 8+2reb
Rieti: D.Hogue 15+8reb+4ast, D.Perry 14+2reb+6ast, M.Palumbo 12+7reb+2ast, G.Tommaso 11+4reb, M.Bogliardi 7+3reb+1ast, L.Udom 6+3reb

Round 27

Fortitudo BO - Cento 78-70

There was no surprise in Bologna where 16th ranked Cento (10-21) was defeated by fourth ranked Fortitudo (20-11) 78-70 on Wednesday. Fortitudo outrebounded Cento 41-29 including 30 on the defensive glass. It was a great evening for Croatian guard Toni Perkovic (191-1998, agency: AltusBasket) who led his team to a victory scoring 25 points. Lithuanian forward Paulius Sorokas (203-1992, agency: Players Group) helped adding 8 points and 16 rebounds. At the losing side American guard Gabe DeVoe (191-1995, college: Clemson) responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import forward Stacy Davis (198-1994, college: Pepperdine) scored 16 points. Four Cento players scored in double figures. Cento's coach Emanuele Di Paolantonio let to play ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Fortitudo moved-up to third place, which they share with Scafati. Cento lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventeenth position with 21 games lost. Fortitudo will meet league's leader Pesaro on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cento will play against the league's second-placed Brindisi (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Fortitudo BO: P.Toni 25+2reb+1ast, I.Matteo 11+1reb+2ast, D.Niccolo 10+8reb, S.Alvise 9+7reb+2ast, S.Paulius 8+16reb+1ast, A.Simon 6+3reb+1ast
Cento: G.DeVoe 17+6reb+3ast, S.Davis 16+2reb+2ast, N.Berdini 12+2reb+5ast, L.Conti 11+7reb, M.Montano 7+3reb+1ast, N.Tanfoglio 3

Avellino - Rieti 86-71

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Avellino (19-11) defeated at home 8th ranked Rieti (18-13) 86-71 on Saturday. Avellino made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for guard Federico Mussini (188-1996, college: St.John's) who led his team to a victory scoring 24 points and 4 assists (made all of his eight free throws). point guard Alessandro Grande (185-1994) helped adding 15 points. Four Avellino players scored in double figures. At the losing side center Tommaso Guariglia (205-1997) responded with 16 points and 5 rebounds and the former international forward Fabio Mian (196-1992) scored 19 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Avellino have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They moved-up to fifth place. Loser Rieti dropped to the ninth position with 13 games lost. They share it with Cividale. Avellino will meet Forli (#15) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rieti will play against Juvi Cremona (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Avellino: M.Federico 24+4reb+4ast, J.Mikk 16+2reb, G.Alessandro 15+3reb+3ast, J.Jay 12+2reb, G.DellAgnello 8+6reb+2ast, P.Giovanni 3+1reb+4ast
Rieti: F.Mian 19, G.Tommaso 16+5reb, L.Udom 12+3reb, M.Palumbo 6+1reb+5ast, D.Hogue 6+4reb+2ast, L.Piccin 5+1reb