EcoJump Messina Basket School returned to winning ways with an impressive 96–79 road victory over New Basket Mola, moving into a five-way tie for second place, just two points behind league leaders Virtus Ragusa. After a balanced opening quarter, Messina took control early in the second period with a decisive 13–0 run and never looked back. Warden led the team with 22 points, including five three-pointers, while Lo Iacono and Vinciguerra each added 18 points and Chakir finished with 12.
Coach Pippo Sidoti was able to rely on Vinciguerra and Warden despite their physical issues, starting them alongside Busco, Iannicelli and Chakir. Mola began strongly, but Messina responded through Warden, Vinciguerra and Busco before taking a 32–28 lead at the end of the first quarter. The decisive stretch came in the second quarter. Warden’s fourth three-pointer ignited a 13–0 run, with Iannicelli, Marinelli and Chakir extending the advantage. Lo Iacono and Sakovic also made important contributions as Messina reached halftime comfortably ahead, 53–40. The visitors remained in full control after the break. Three-pointers by Chakir and Lo Iacono, together with strong play from Vinciguerra and Sakovic, stretched the lead to 76–59 entering the final period. Messina closed the game confidently despite the ejection of Warden and Samardzic following an on-court altercation. Lo Iacono buried another three-pointer to halt any hopes of a comeback, and the visitors cruised to a deserved 96–79 victory.
FINAL SCORE New Basket Mola 79–96 EcoJump Messina Basket School Quarter scores: 28–32, 40–53, 59–76, 79–96. New Basket Mola: Ramponi 20, Freimeyer 2, Pautasso, Beltramino 9, D’Agnano 19, Tanzi, Samardzic 13, Trinca 10, Mazzeo, Barnaba 6. Head Coach: Sordi. EcoJump Messina Basket School: Lo Iacono 18, Marinelli 9, Vinciguerra 18, Iannicelli 9, Chakir 12, Cangemi, Warden 22, Fei, Busco 4, Sakovic 4. Head Coach: Pippo Sidoti. Referees: Francesco De Carlo (Lecce) and Giacomo Tornese (Monteroni di Lecce).
