Bertram Derthona pulled off a stunning upset against league leaders Aquila Trento on March 1, 2025, with a thrilling 89-85 victory. This game, played at Trento's home court, marked a significant turnaround for Derthona after struggling recently.
Coach De Raffaele’s squad, which entered the game with the need for redemption, demonstrated exceptional resilience throughout the match. The pivotal moment arrived when Gorham hit the go-ahead three-pointer with just 42 seconds remaining on the clock, capping off his phenomenal performance with 35 points and seven rebounds.
The match was tightly contested, showcasing both teams' grit and determination. Trento, fresh from their triumph at the Frecciarossa Final Eight 2025, started strongly but faced significant challenges as the match progressed. During the second quarter, Trento attempted to pull away, leading at halftime with 40-38. Yet, Gorham’s relentless drive kept Derthona competitive.
Despite being out-rebounded 42 to 34, Derthona narrowed the gap with effective shooting and clutch performances. The third quarter saw Trento up by three points, and they opened the fourth with momentum, securing their biggest lead of seven. But Derthona maintained their composure, driven by Gorham, who either scored or assisted on nearly every key play during the closing moments.
Coach De Raffaele expressed his satisfaction after the game, highlighting his team's sacrifice and spirit, especially with the absences of key players like Vital and Kamagate. "Certainly, this victory provides us the opportunity to convert our recent disappointments,” he said. “I'm proud of my players, particularly for the dedication they showcased.”
Other key contributors included Kuhse and Baldasso, scoring 16 and 10 points respectively, underlining the collective effort of the team. Gorham’s leadership shone through as he consistently dictated the pace of the game.
The defeat leaves Trento, who started the season strong with 15 wins compared to just four losses, pondering their strategy against similarly energetic teams going forward. Their standout players, including Pecchia with 20 points and 10 rebounds, exhibited individual brilliance, yet it wasn't enough to fend off Derthona’s determined side.
Reactions to the match highlighted the significant role Gorham played. He recorded his 35-point night with impressive shooting efficiency of 13-for-16 from the field, including five free throws without missing. This performance has cemented his status as one of the league's top players, making him increasingly valuable to Bertram Derthona’s campaign.
Looking at the season as a whole, head coach De Raffaele mentioned the club’s ambitions to secure playoff positions. With only ten games left, every victory carries considerable weight. “This latest win adds to our momentum, and we aim to replicate this spirit and performance throughout the playoffs,” he indicated.
Trento’s coach, Galbiati, acknowledged his team’s shortcomings during the match. Despite their strong record and recent cup win, he stressed the need for improvement if they aspire to maintain their position at the top of the league. “It’s about learning from losses and preparing for the challenges ahead. We have talented players, but consistency is key,” he stated.
This victory for Bertram Derthona not only boosts their standings but also serves as proof of their capacity to rally against the league's best. The team's collective resolve and Gorham's standout performance reinforce the narrative of their resilience this season.
Overall, this match signifies more than just two points. It’s about the spirit of competition, the lessons learned, and the unrelenting drive for excellence shown by both teams.
The league now watches closely as Bertram Derthona aims to build on this momentum, and Trento seeks to recover and refine their game as the season progresses.