EcoJump Messina Basket School closed the regular season in the best possible way, defeating league leaders Virtus Matera 88–73 to secure seventh place in the standings. The convincing victory, never seriously in doubt, capped an outstanding regular season and earned coach Pippo Sidoti’s team a prestigious playoff series against Scandone Avellino. Messina also completed an exceptional home campaign, recording 13 wins in 15 games at the PalaTracuzzi. Only Castellaneta and Barcellona managed to win there during the first half of the season, underlining the consistency of a team that enjoyed an outstanding year. It was a complete team performance. Vinciguerra led all scorers with 20 points, followed by Warden with 18, while Chakir posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Sakovic also reached double figures and Marinelli finished with eight assists.
Messina led throughout the contest, building a maximum advantage of 23 points thanks to disciplined defense and efficient teamwork. Sidoti started with Busco, Vinciguerra, Beltadze, Warden and Chakir. After a slow offensive start, Chakir and Beltadze sparked an early run before Busco and Vinciguerra extended the lead to 24–18 after the opening quarter. In the second quarter Warden’s three-pointer and Vinciguerra’s seven consecutive points, capped by a spectacular dunk, pushed the lead into double digits. Sakovic provided valuable minutes off the bench, while Iannicelli and Marinelli kept the offense flowing as Messina reached halftime ahead 45–36. The decisive break came in the third period. Consecutive three-pointers by Vinciguerra and Lo Iacono launched a dominant run, supported by Marinelli’s playmaking and Sakovic’s inside presence. The home crowd inspired Messina to a 65–43 lead before the quarter ended 73–56. Messina controlled the final quarter comfortably. Early three-pointers by Vinciguerra and strong inside play from Chakir extended the margin beyond twenty points, and the hosts cruised to a deserved 88–73 victory.
FINAL SCORE EcoJump Messina Basket School 88–73 Virtus Matera Quarter scores: 24–18, 45–36, 73–56, 88–73. EcoJump Messina Basket School: Lo Iacono 5, Marinelli 6, Vinciguerra 20, Iannicelli 5, Chakir 13, Beltadze 6, Warden 18, Contaldo, Busco 5, Sakovic 10. Head Coach: Pippo Sidoti. Virtus Matera: Belgrano 1, Ani 7, Digno, Zanetti 9, Labovic 12, Roberto, Valle 12, Preira 6, Mavric 13, Bischetti 13. Head Coach: Miriello. Referees: Paolo Filesi (Chiaramonte Gulfi) and Francesco Giunta (Ragusa). Press Office
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