On March 19, 2025, Fortitudo Flats Service Bologna faced off against Urania Milano at PalaDozza, securing a crucial victory with a final score of 75-66. This match was pivotal for both teams in the A2 league, impacting their standings significantly.
The game opened with Urania Milano swiftly taking an early lead, largely thanks to captain Andrea Amato, who netted an impressive three-pointer to put them ahead 3-8. The Wildcats showcased formidable defense, which momentarily stunted Fortitudo's offense. However, as the first quarter progressed, it was Fortitudo's captain, Pietro Aradori, who sparked a turnaround, leading the team with critical points and eventually bringing them to the forefront at the end of the first quarter, 21-20.
Despite the early struggles, Fortitudo was able to capitalize on a series of missed opportunities from Urania, with contributions from Gabriel. Ultimately, the score reflected the tense back-and-forth nature of the game as both teams tried to claim momentum. By halftime, Urania had managed to maintain a small lead, closing the second quarter at 45-39.
As the second half began, Fortitudo's strategy changed. Coach Attilio Caja emphasized defense, and his players responded emphatically by limiting Urania to just 21 points in the second half. Gabriel emerged as a powerhouse, scoring 23 points and securing 12 rebounds. His grit on the court, alongside Aradori’s finesse, helped Fortitudo unravel Urania's defenses, culminating in a 9-0 run that shifted the game.
Establishing a quick rhythm, the team found themselves energized, and a revitalized Kenny Gabriel showcased his abilities, drawing applause from the home crowd.
The turning point came late in the fourth quarter, where Fortitudo managed to seal their victory with a partial score of 14-0. Gabriel and Freeman played vital roles during this run, consistently aggregating points to build their advantage to 71-64. Meanwhile, Urania struggled, managing only five points in the final quarter. Despite Urania's attempts to claw back into contention, the dynamic play of the Fortitudo squad proved insurmountable.
Coach Caja stated, "At the end of the day, we managed to change the game with our defense and the performance of Kenny Gabriel," reflecting his satisfaction with the team’s adjustment and second-half performance.
Urania's coach, Marco Cardani, noted the difficulties of competing without their star player, saying, "It's painful to lose, especially without our best player, but we fought hard." Their efforts bore a symbolic weight despite the loss, and Cardani expressed hope for the future as they regroup.
As the game concluded, Fortitudo celebrated their hard-fought win, where key players Gabriel, Aradori, and Freeman each showcased their skills in clutch moments, now pushing the team’s points total to 38, level with Urania on the scoreboard but edging ahead on head-to-head results.
This match not only highlighted the resilience of Fortitudo Bologna but also the challenging road ahead for Urania Milano, as both teams strive to secure their place in the upper echelons of the A2 league. With such intensity on display, fans can expect thrilling matchups in the days to come as the fight for a playoff position intensifies.
