On April 27, 2025, L’Aquila Trento demonstrated their dominance in the LBA by defeating Dinamo Sassari with a convincing score of 95-77. This victory marks Trento's fourth consecutive win and strengthens their position as they chase the top spot in the league. The match showcased a blend of impressive shooting and solid rebounding from the home team, while Sassari struggled to maintain their momentum following a recent defeat.
The game kicked off at the Il T Quotidiano Arena in Trento, where fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere. Early on, Trento established their presence with Anthony Lamb and Jordan Ford leading the charge. Lamb's scoring ability was crucial, as he finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Ford topped the scoring charts for Trento with 22 points, further proving his status as a key player.
Despite a strong start from Dinamo Sassari, who saw Alessandro Cappelletti score the first basket, Trento quickly responded with a transition play that saw Andrea Pecchia score, pushing the home team to a 10-2 lead. However, Sassari clawed back into the game, thanks to the efforts of Cappelletti, who would go on to score a career-high 27 points in this match.
The first half ended with Trento leading narrowly at 42-39. The second quarter saw both teams exchanging leads, but Trento maintained their composure, aided by the solid rebounding from Jordan Bayehe and the offensive contributions from Myles Cale, who scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
As the game progressed into the second half, Trento shifted gears significantly. They tightened their defense and increased their offensive output, particularly in the third quarter, which proved to be decisive. The team outscored Sassari 27-15 in this period, showcasing their ability to capitalize on turnovers and convert them into points. Trento’s three-point shooting also improved, with Lamb and Ford hitting crucial shots that extended their lead to double digits.
By the end of the third quarter, Trento had established a commanding 69-54 lead. The final quarter saw the home team maintaining control, with Sassari struggling to close the gap despite a late surge from Eimantas Bendzius and Erten Gazi, who both contributed 12 and 10 points respectively. However, the damage was done, and Trento’s lead never wavered.
Trento’s superior shooting percentages were evident throughout the match, finishing with a two-point shooting percentage of 73% (27/37) compared to Sassari's 60% (21/35). The home team also excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 10 of their 38 attempts (26%), while Sassari managed only 6 out of 26 (23%). Furthermore, Trento dominated the boards with a staggering 50 rebounds to Sassari's 24, highlighting their physicality and presence in the paint.
Coach Paolo Galbiati expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, noting, "Our players showed great resilience and teamwork, especially in the second half. We executed our game plan effectively, which allowed us to pull away and secure the win."
On the other hand, Sassari’s coach Massimo Bulleri faced disappointment as his team struggled to find cohesion after a promising start. Despite Cappelletti's standout performance, the lack of scoring support from other players proved detrimental. Briante Weber, who managed only 8 points, and Brian Fobbs with 10 points, failed to provide the necessary backup for Cappelletti’s efforts.
The final score of 95-77 not only solidifies Trento's position in the league but also raises questions about Sassari's ability to bounce back after two consecutive losses. The team's next steps will be crucial as they aim to regain their form and compete effectively in the upcoming matches.
As the regular season continues, L’Aquila Trento is sending a clear message to the league: they are a force to be reckoned with, especially on their home court. With their sights set on the top spot, fans can expect to see more thrilling performances as the season progresses.
In conclusion, Trento’s victory over Sassari exemplifies their current form and determination to compete for the championship. The team’s strong rebounding, effective shooting, and tactical execution were keys to their success, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the LBA season.