Brindisi Reaches Top of Serie A2 with Hard-Fought Victory Over Forlì

Valtur Brindisi climbed to the top of the Serie A2 standings with a 79-74 victory over Unieuro Forlì on Wednesday, February 25th. The win puts Brindisi in a tie for first place with Victoria Libertas Pesaro, though Pesaro currently holds the advantage on points difference.

A Battle to the Finish

Despite missing key players Harper and Gaspardo, Unieuro Forlì put up a strong fight in front of 2,375 spectators. However, a decisive late-game performance from Brindisi proved to be the difference. The victory came down to the wire, with Brindisi securing the win thanks to seven crucial points from Francis in the final two minutes.

Key Performances

Forlì was led by Aradori, who scored 23 points, while Pinza added 13. However, three missed free throws by Stephens in the closing moments proved costly. Francis spearheaded Brindisi’s attack, contributing 19 points. Cinciarini added 10 points, and Vildera had a strong showing with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Game Recap

Forlì started strong, building a 10-4 lead early in the first quarter. Brindisi responded with a combined effort from Cinciarini and Copeland, putting Vildera in a position to score. Aradori’s shooting prowess helped Forlì take a 29-23 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw a back-and-forth battle, with Francis hitting consecutive three-pointers for Brindisi. The half ended tied at 45-45.

Radonjic led a strong third quarter for Brindisi, scoring eight consecutive points to give his team a 60-52 lead. Esposito then extended the advantage, helping Brindisi finish the quarter up 66-56.

Forlì mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, fueled by Aradori and a 9-0 run that narrowed the gap to just one point. After Aradori fouled out, Brindisi capitalized with a 7-0 run of their own, led by Francis and Cinciarini, to secure the 79-74 victory.

“Despite the heavy absences of Harper and Gaspardo, Unieuro Forlì fights with pride but concedes at home to Valtur Brindisi for 74-79.”

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Standings Update

With the win, Valtur Brindisi and Victoria Libertas Pesaro are tied for first place in Serie A2 with 38 points each. Flats Service Fortitudo Bologna sits in third with 36 points.

Looking Ahead

Brindisi will face Rimini on March 8th in an away game, followed by a rematch against Forlì in the semi-final of the Italian Cup at the PalaFlaminio.

Final Score

UNIEURO FORLÌ – VALTUR BRINDISI 74-79 (29-23, 45-45, 56-66, 74-79)

Team Statistics

• UNIEURO FORLÌ: Aradori 23, Bossi 3, Pinza 13, Masciadri 7, Tavernelli 2, Pepe 3, Gazzotti 8, Stephens 15
• VALTUR BRINDISI: Copeland 8, Cinciarini 10, Francis 19, Mouaha 6, Vildera 16, Miani, Esposito 10, Radonjic 10

Photocredits: Studio Tasco