In a thrilling encounter on March 23, 2025, Napoli secured a vital victory against Givova Scafati, winning 81-91 in a match that could significantly impact both teams' standings in Serie A. The varying fortunes of these two sides were on display as Napoli carved out a much-needed win.
The game was defined by a critical third-quarter surge from Napoli, who unleashed a remarkable 19-2 run. This sequence shattered Scafati's momentum and placed immense pressure on the home side. With Johnathan Pangos leading the charge, registering 12 points and facilitating 6 assists, the visitors demonstrated lethal efficiency and team cohesion.
The first quarter saw Napoli take control early, sparking from beyond the arc with Pullen and Zubcic contributing heavily to the scoring. The away team established an initial 8-16 lead, putting Scafati on the back foot. An urgent timeout called by Scafati's coach, Alberto Ramondino, aimed to halt Napoli's 100% shooting from three-point range at the onset, but even this proved insufficient.
Though Scafati's Marquise Gray fought back with significant moments, closing the first quarter at 21-25 after an electrifying buzzer-beater from Woldentensae. As the second period unfolded, excitement grew with Miaschi's rapid scoring output, quickly narrowing Napoli's lead to just one point at 21-22.
The balance of power shifted midway through the second quarter, with Scafati briefly taking a lead at 31-30 after an 11-2 run. However, Napoli responded sharply. With Pullen displaying his all-around skills, he managed a three with a foul to swing momentum back in Napoli's favor, taking the score to 34-37. As the teams exchanged leads, Cinciarini's shots moved Scafati ahead by halftime with a 43-42 scoreline, but a veneer of uncertainty cloaked the team.
In the third quarter, Napoli turned the tide dramatically, extending their lead significantly with the previously mentioned 19-2 run that brought the score to 45-61. Their defense crystallized into a fortress, suffocating Scafati's efforts and forcing turnovers that turned into fast-break opportunities.
As the game wore on, Scafati battled valiantly to close the gap, with desperate plays late in the fourth bringing them to within a precarious -7 margin with just 2 minutes and 50 seconds left on the clock. Yet, the brilliance of Ukrainian forward Green shone through, as he executed a key play to maintain Napoli's edge at 77-86.
Despite a late-game push from Scafati, who nearly clawed back into contention, Napoli’s experience and composure shone through, ensuring they ended the game strong. Pullen’s contributions were critical as he sealed multiple plays that confirmed Napoli's victory.
Ramondino’s visible frustration on the sidelines spoke volumes about Scafati's struggles and the dire shape of their performance. After the game, he refrained from addressing the media directly, preferring instead to discuss matters privately with team owner Longobardi, who expressed his dissatisfaction in light of the team’s lack of fight—most notably, conceding four offensive rebounds in a single possession, highlighting an alarming level of intensity.
After the game, Napoli coach Valli was understandably elated with the win: "Siamo contenti, abbiamo fatto un grande passo avanti in termini di gioco di squadra, ma non è ancora fatto niente, è ancora lunga. Non ci esaltiamo per questa vittoria, non ci saremmo abbattuti per una sconfitta," reflecting his balanced approach to the triumph. He acknowledged the importance of the victory but emphasized the need for continuous improvement, knowing that the road ahead remains challenging.
With this victory, Napoli rises to 14 points in the standings, now sitting comfortably above Scafati, who remains stagnant at 12 points. The implications of this matchup are significant as both teams strive to secure their positions in Serie A. As Napoli basks in victory, Scafati must regroup and prepare for the daunting challenges that await them in the remaining fixtures.
