In a thrilling encounter held on March 22, 2025, at PalaSojourner, Avellino Basket triumphed over Real Sebastiani Rieti with a narrow score of 92-93 after an exhausting battle that stretched into two overtimes in the thirty-third round of the A2 championship.
Leading the charge for Avellino was the extraordinary Lewis, who recorded 34 points and pulled down 15 rebounds, showcasing his prowess under pressure. His teammate Bortolin also had a significant impact on the game, contributing 19 points and 14 rebounds, helping Avellino secure the hard-fought victory in less than ideal conditions.
Avellino came into the game already missing key players, Verazzo and Sabatino, due to injuries, which heightened the stakes for the remaining squad members. Despite being short-handed, Avellino demonstrated tenacity and resilience throughout the match, delivering a performance that extinguished the bitter memory of their previous loss to Sella Cento.
The match was intense right from the start, with Rieti initially jumping to an 11-6 lead, capitalizing on their home court advantage. However, Avellino quickly regrouped and took control, closing the first quarter at 20-16, thanks to a commendable series of plays that saw them take the lead.
As the second quarter unfolded, Avellino stretched their lead to as much as +8 at 16-24, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. By halftime, they held a narrow margin over Rieti at 35-39, despite Rieti's efforts to counter their scoring with a flurry of three-point shots, achieving a respectable 9-of-18 shooting from beyond the arc at that point.
In the third quarter, Avellino initially increased their lead to +9 with an impressive start, but Rieti made crucial adjustments. A powerful performance by Sarto allowed Rieti to turn the tide, tying the game at 48-48 before eventually taking the lead at 50-48. Rieti's momentum surged as they extended their advantage to 55-48, leaving Avellino in a precarious position.
However, with the game hanging in the balance, Lewis took it upon himself to rally his team, scoring 9 pivotal points in the final three minutes of regulation to bring Avellino back into contention, closing the gap to a mere +3 at 62-65. The excitement peaked as Sarto hit a last-minute three-pointer to equalize the score at 67-67, sending the match into overtime.
The first overtime was a gritty affair, with both teams exchanging leads. Rieti briefly led 77-73, but Lewis was quick to respond, helping Avellino close the gap again as the teams traded baskets. Ultimately, the first extra period ended in a tie at 82-82, necessitating a second overtime.
In the second overtime, Avellino showcased their composure under pressure, taking the lead at 82-86. As the final moments approached, free throws from Maglietti built Avellino’s margin to +4 at 89-93 with just two seconds left on the clock. Sarto’s seventh three-pointer rounded off the scoring for Rieti, solidifying the score at 92-93.
The impressive final score reflected both teams' efforts, with Rieti battling valiantly. For Rieti, key contributions came from Sarto, who netted a high of 35 points, along with Palmi contributing 9, Spencer with 10, Spanghero with 9, Monaldi scoring 7, Piunti also scoring 10, and Piccin contributing 8.
For Avellino, the scoreboard highlighted the significant performances as it tallied Lewis’s 34 points, backed by Jurkatamm’s 6, Sabatino’s 6, Mussini’s 11, Earlington’s 11, and Bortolin’s notable 19 points.
This victory not only provided a much-needed boost to Avellino’s morale but also showcased their depth and determination as they aim for a strong finish in the A2 championship.
