Fortitudo returns to winning ways by beating Forlì after extra time

Bologna, December 14, 2024 – Fortitudo returns to victory by beating Forlì after extra time. The defense, the excellent performance of Freeman and the final, with two decisive baskets by Gabriel allow Attilio Caja's team to return to victory. The Fossa in protest against the travel ban imposed on Romagna fans, he leaves the Schull partially empty in the first quarter.

There is in the field a Fortitudo with a bandage, absent Cusin, Menalo and Sabatini, with the rotations reduced to 8 players, but eager to resume the path interrupted in Piacenza. A nice head to head begins immediately. Effe supported by the points of Gabriel and the raids of Freeman and Bolpin. On the other hand, the former Martino relies on his team's triples, while under the basket Del Chiaro engages in a great challenge with Freeman. Guests ahead at the start 4-10, maximum gap of the first half.

In the second Freeman was the absolute protagonist, scoring 10 points in quick succession. Forlì returns to extend touching 36-43 after the break. Caja then tries to lower the quintet but it is still Freeman who keeps the trail of Fortitudo who scores little, but defensively raises an insurmountable wall.

In the last fraction Forlì scores 2 points, the only ones by Harper, then in the following 5 minutes he doesn't score anymore, with Fortitudo despite the poor percentage from long distance, takes a 13-0 break which is worth 65-56 at 35'. However, Effe loses its way and suffers a counterbreak by Forlì who with 3 triples in a row by Parravicini ties the score at 67-67 with 58" to go, Freeman stops Pollone, but on the other side Effe doesn't close it. It goes to overtime, where the 5 points by Gabriel, who had been dozing for a long time, give Effe the victory.

Next Sunday second consecutive challenge for Fortitudo always at the PalaDozza with Brindisi. The other games: Udine-Rieti 85-81 (2ts), Piacenza-Pesaro 74-77, Milan-Cividale 81-79, Vigevano-Brindisi, Avellino-Verona, Rimini-Cantù, Cento-Nardò, Cremona-Turin, Orzinuovi-Livorno. The standings: Rimini 28, Udine 24, Cividale and Cantù 22, Forlì, Urania Milan 20, Rieti and Verona 18, Fortitudo and Avellino 16, Orzinuovi, Turin and Pesaro 14, Brindisi 12, Cremona, Livorno and Nardò 10, Vigevano and Cento 8, Piacenza 6.

The little table

FORTITUDE BOLOGNA 76

UNIEURO FORLI' 71 (After 1 extra time)

FORTITUDO FLATS SERVICE: Fantinelli 10. Bolpin 6, Mian 8, Gabriel 14, Freeman 24; Panni 5, Aradori 4, Battistini 5; Giordano none, Ferrucci Morandi none. All Caja.

UNIEURO FORLI': Parravicini 17, Harper 2, Pollone 3, Gaspardo 12, Del Chiaro 15; Cinciarini 2, Magro 1, Pascolo 4, Tavernelli 4, Perkovic 11. Coach Martino. Referees: Radaelli, Puccini, D'Amato. Notes: partial scores 17-18, 34-39, 52-54, 67-67. Two-pointers: Fortitudo 22/42; Forlì 12/30. Three-pointers: 5/28; 12/43. Free throws: 17/20; 11/14. Rebounds: 47; 45.