Napoli Basket secured a much-needed victory against Derthona Basket Tortona, winning 92-83 at the Fruit Village Arena. This marked their second consecutive win, igniting hope for survival as they battle the challenges of Serie A Unipol.
The game began with Tortona jumping to an early lead, courtesy of Kuhse's three-pointer, but Napoli quickly responded with Green, who turned the tide, allowing them to surge forward. The first quarter ended with Napoli leading 20-17, showcasing their resilience.
Jacob Pullen, the pivotal player who recently returned to Napoli, illustrated his immense value by scoring 28 points throughout the match. Pullen's performance was nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating his quick adjustment back to the team. "Con questa energia e con il supporto del nostro pubblico possiamo raggiungere la salvezza," Pullen expressed post-game, highlighting the support from fans as integral to their success.
Napoli extended their lead during the match, showcasing excellent teamwork and strategic plays, particularly through Newman and Green, whose scoring contributed significantly to keeping Tortona at bay. By halftime, Napoli held onto their lead with a score of 43-39.
The third quarter marked Napoli's dominance as they soared to their largest lead of the game, reaching 57-43, driven by Pullen’s continued onslaught and Totè's impressive play. Coach Giorgio Valli admitted his satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of humility and maintaining focus: "Sono contento per la vittoria ottenuta contro una grande squadra, ma bisogna mantenere tanta umiltà ed avere i piedi per terra."
Napoli's defensive push hampered Tortona, whose attempts to recover were thwarted. Despite spirited efforts, including three-point shots from Vital and Baldasso, they couldn't close the gap significantly enough to veer the game back in their favor.
With the game winding down, Napoli showcased their composure under pressure. Tortona managed to cut the deficit to just six points late, but Green's resilience at the line ensured Napoli wouldn't falter, securing the game with confidence and poise.
Following this victory, Napoli's record improved to 2-12, marking a shift from despair to tangible hope. Coach Walter De Raffaele of Tortona remarked on Napoli's superior game plan and execution: "Napoli ha meritato, tranne per pochissimi minuti nel primo tempo è stata sempre avanti nel punteggio," underscoring the importance of adaptability and intensity as the teams gear up for the second half of the season.
This triumph not only elevates Napoli's standing but also brings renewed energy to the squad and its supporters as the team looks forward to their upcoming matches. They must maintain this momentum if they hope to escape the challenging spot they find themselves, with Pullen's performance setting the stage for the region’s basketball aspirations.