REGGIO EMILIA – The atmosphere was electric at the PalaBigi as UNAHOTELS Reggio Emilia faced off against S.S. Napoli Basket on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in a crucial Serie A matchup. The game, which began at 16:00, was streamed live on DAZN, drawing attention from fans eager to see how both teams would perform after recent ups and downs.
UNAHOTELS came into this game after a mixed bag of results, having recently defeated Givova Scafati but suffering a setback against Unicaja Malaga in the BCL quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Napoli was looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Varese, hoping to secure a vital win to improve their standing in the league.
As the teams took to the court, the stakes were high. This was the 22nd meeting between the two teams across Serie A, A2, and Coppa Italia, with Reggio Emilia leading the series 12-9 overall and 8-2 at home. Napoli's two victories in Reggio Emilia came in the 1996/97 and 2004/05 seasons, making this a challenging venue for the visitors.
In the first quarter, both teams started strong, trading baskets and showcasing their offensive skills. The quarter ended with Reggio Emilia slightly ahead at 20-19. Faye opened the scoring for the home team, while Napoli’s De Nicolao and Pangos responded quickly. The first quarter was marked by aggressive play and some turnovers from both sides, setting the tone for a competitive match.
As the second quarter unfolded, Reggio Emilia initially pulled ahead with a 6-0 run, thanks to a focused defense led by Cheatham. However, Napoli quickly responded, with Totè making key plays that kept the score tight. The intensity on the court was palpable, with both teams demonstrating their desire to secure a win. Napoli managed to take a narrow lead into halftime, ending the second quarter at 39-38.
Coach Giorgio Valli of Napoli had emphasized the importance of patience and tenacity in his pre-game remarks, acknowledging Reggio Emilia's reputation as one of the league's best defensive teams. "Reggio Emilia is perhaps the most cohesive team in the league, playing with great experience and skill," he noted. The urgency to win was evident, especially with Napoli sitting in 12th place, tied on points with Cremona and Varese.
As the game progressed into the second half, the tension mounted. The third quarter saw both teams exchanging leads, with standout performances from players like Totè for Napoli and Cheatham for Reggio Emilia. Each possession became critical, as both teams fought hard to establish dominance. With the score fluctuating, the crowd was treated to a thrilling display of basketball.
With less than a minute left in the third quarter, Treier hit a crucial three-pointer to put Napoli ahead, showcasing the visitors' fighting spirit. The scoreboard read 38-39 as the teams prepared for the final quarter, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The fourth quarter promised to be a decisive battle as both teams aimed for victory.
Throughout the game, the referees, Carmelo Paternicò, Alessandro Perciavalle, and Alessio Dionisi, maintained control, ensuring fair play amidst the fierce competition. Their decisions were pivotal in keeping the game flowing and preventing any major disputes.
As the clock ticked down, both teams knew the importance of this match. Reggio Emilia was looking to solidify their playoff position, currently sitting in sixth place with 28 points, while Napoli was desperate for a win to avoid relegation. The stakes could not have been higher.
In the end, the game showcased the heart and determination of both teams. With Reggio Emilia's strong defensive strategies and Napoli's relentless pursuit of victory, fans were treated to a classic Serie A encounter. The final score remained uncertain until the very end, as both teams fought valiantly for every point.
This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of Italian basketball but also set the stage for an exciting finish to the season. As teams jockey for playoff positions, every game counts, and this showdown was a testament to the intensity and passion that defines Serie A basketball.
With the game now concluded, both teams will reflect on their performances and prepare for their next challenges. For Reggio Emilia, it’s about maintaining momentum as they eye the playoffs, while Napoli must regroup and find ways to secure crucial wins in the coming weeks.
