The Serie A2 playoff semifinals kicked off with a surprise result: Brescia claimed a hard-fought 93-92 win at the PalaIlio, handing Trapani its first home loss after 14 straight victories and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Coach Poeta’s team came out firing, fueled by three-pointers from Ivanovic, Rivers, and Burnell, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. The gap in shooting efficiency was evident early: Brescia hit 12 of 26 from beyond the arc, while the hosts struggled at 5 of 21. In the second quarter, Brescia stretched the lead to +17 (33-50), before going into halftime up 57-45.
Trapani’s expected reaction came after the break. A 12-0 run led by Alibegovic, Horton, and Eboua closed the gap to 59-61. But Brescia kept its composure, regaining momentum with key plays from Ivanovic and Della Valle, ending the third quarter with a 10-point lead.
Virtus edges Brescia in Game 1 thriller: 90–87 in Bologna
13 Jun - 10:57 •
1' min
The final period was a dogfight. Robinson, Notae, and Horton pushed Trapani back to within one, but Dowe answered with six straight points to restore a seven-point cushion for the visitors. In the closing seconds, Robinson’s quick five points brought the game to 92-93, but Brescia held possession and ran out the clock to secure a crucial away win.
Five Germani players finished in double figures: Dowe and Ivanovic with 17 each, Della Valle with 13, Ndour added 12, and Bilan 11. For Trapani, Horton led with 22 points, followed by Robinson (14), Alibegovic (12), and Petrucelli (11).
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday at 8:45 PM, once again at Trapani’s home court.
