Easter with Benedetto: Sella challenges Pilastrini in Cividale

Easter with the Blessed, Cividale, where this evening at 20pm, in the first of nine Saturday evening advances (only F and Rimini are missing, playing on Easter Monday), the Sella faces the team of Pillars (referees Nuara, Tallon and Luchi). All or almost all, in 40 minutes, with a two-point advantage before the last two of the regular season, hoping for comforting news from Rieti, where Cremona is preparing a new assault on the red and whites. But fate, as already reiterated several times by By Paolantonio, it's all in the hands of hundred, which can and must think only of itself, trying to replicate the good things done last week against Nardò. "The victory in Lecce was important - said the coach on the eve -, but it is the path we have been on for months now that must give us confidence and awareness to try to win in Cividale too. We will need another great defensive performance, against a team that has talent in attack and that plays good basketball, as the first leg taught us". In what was, from all points of view, an evening to forget at the Baltur Arena. It ended 79-62, after Benedetto even touched -30 several times, without ever managing to keep up with Of the Lamb and his teammates, losing Alessandro Sperduto on that occasion due to injury, who was then forced to sit out for several months". This time, however, Di Paolantonio will have to deal with a Devoe not at his best this week. "Gabe recovered from his knee problem, but he was out again on Friday with a stomach virus."

Also struggling with some seasonal ailments are the Friulians, who in the standings have a score of 21 wins and 15 losses, stuck in the "fifth" group with Verona and Rieti, and hungry for redemption after the last burning defeat in extra time against Urania Milano, which strangled the streak of successes in Brindisi and at home to Fortitudo. A Davis and companions, another enterprise will be needed. "They have in Redive e Lamb two of the most offensively impactful players in the league, to which is added an element such as Mastellari, who provides a great contribution coming off the bench. Without forgetting their package of long players, led by Dell'Agnello, among the most solid in the category. We - concludes the coach - will have to do as we have been doing for some time now, that is, look at ourselves, trying to provide the best possible performance, also considering the great chance we have in these last 2 games".

Giovanni Poggi