Pontoni Falconstar is gearing up to defend its spot at the top of the play-in Gold series B interregional basketball league as they face off against Gardonese on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The match is set for an 18:00 start at palaItis in Gardone Val Trompia, with massive implications for both teams involved.
Having claimed a decisive victory over Gardonese earlier in the season by 22 points, Falconstar is acutely aware that the home team will be hell-bent on avenging that loss in this rematch. "Sicuramente vorranno prendersi la rivincita – concorda coach Beretta – è la seconda trasferta consecutiva e anche per questo ci vorrà uno sforzo ancora maggiore in termini di mentalità, approccio e concentrazione. Il match di andata è passato, poi loro ai tempi non avevano il centro titolare Grani, Tonut era appena rientrato dall’infortunio e in più persero anche Motta nel corso della gara. Le ultime due gare della Gardonese sono finite ai supplementari, chiaro sintomo di una squadra che sta lottando su ogni pallone fino all’ultimo. Troveremo una squadra preparata e pronta," states Beretta, acknowledging the intensity and determination of the Gardonese team.
Gardone, fighting for playoff positioning of their own, features key players such as the Argentine Davico, who is pivotal to their game as both a facilitator and a scorer. His performances alongside the two sharpshooters, Jovanovic and Mazzantini, who has been consistent in double digits and brings dynamic shot-making to the court, pose a significant threat for Falconstar. Jovanovic averages 16 points with nearly 40% from three-point territory, making him a focal point for Gardonese.
In preparation for the game, Falconstar's coach Andrea Beretta made sure the squad received extra rest in the lead-up to this challenging contest. "I ragazzi avevano bisogno di recuperare sia mentalmente sia fisicamente anche perché quella di Gardone è una partita molto importante – conclude il tecnico biancorosso – anticipa lo scontro diretto con la Sangiorgese cui vogliamo arrivare al meglio, senza perdere punti. San Giorgio è un campo difficile e sarebbe fondamentale avere il vantaggio del campo se dovessimo incontrare la Sangiorgese ai play-off," emphasizing the importance of this match not just for their standing but also for their upcoming encounters.
The league standings add extra tension to the match, with Falconstar sitting in a tight race as they currently hold 24 points, closely monitored by Sistema Pordenone with 26 points, while Gardonese finds itself with hopes for a better playoff seed. Coach Beretta's strategy hinges on navigating the heightened expectations of both teams, especially with some players missing in their last encounter.
The stakes are high for both squads, and fans can expect a packed atmosphere at the ITIS gymnasium in Gardone Val Trompia. As the final stretch of matches leads into the playoffs, every game counts more than ever. Today's match is not just another game; it’s an opportunity to prove they belong in postseason play.
With Falconstar determined to maintain their lead and Gardonese eager to reclaim their pride, the energy on the court will undoubtedly reflect the fierce competition and mutual respect shared by both teams.
