Trapani Shark delivered an impressive performance on their home court against Unahotels Reggiana, winning decisively 109-73 at the PalaShark. Despite missing key player Justin Robinson due to injury, the Shark played with exceptional skill and coherence, showcasing their potential as they move forward this season.
From the opening moments, it was clear the Trapani team intended to dominate. Head coach Jasmin Repesa’s squad led by 24 points at halftime, effectively stifling Reggiana’s offense with aggressive defense and excelling on offense with remarkable accuracy from beyond the arc. The team finished the game with 18 three-pointers out of 34 attempts, demonstrating their perimeter shooting prowess.
Riccardo Rossato, who scored 18 points, led the scoring for Trapani. He was instrumental, particularly with his three-point shooting, three of which came consecutively, allowing the Shark to establish their early lead and keep the pressure on Reggiana. JD Notae chipped in with 14 points and also contributed to the playmaking with eight assists, making him a pivotal figure throughout the game.
The Sharks’ offense was complemented by other solid contributors, including Stefano Gentile with 13 points and Langston Galloway with 12 points and five assists. Their coordinated efforts saw Trapani lead by as many as 41 points, creating what felt like a monologue by the home team.
For Unahotels Reggiana, Cassius Winston emerged as the standout player, attempting to rally his team with 21 points. Yet, his efforts were not enough to overcome the comprehensive performance offered by Trapani, who not only outscored Reggiana but also controlled the tempo of the game.
The Trapani team was not disheartened by the absence of Robinson; instead, they seized the opportunity to showcase their depth and teamwork. Akwasi Yeboah's return with 11 points over just 14 minutes added to the team’s firepower. This victory not only snapped Reggiana's six-game winning streak but also cemented Trapani’s place for the upcoming Final Eight of the Coppa Italia.
The game, attended by 4,490 fans, saw the crowd erupting with excitement at various stages, especially as Trapani built their lead. By the end of the first quarter, Trapani was already leading 25-13, and they didn’t look back.
Through well-executed plays and strong bench contributions—such as Tibor Pleiss with 10 points—the Sharks demonstrated their capabilities to challenge stronger teams, turning this clash at the top of the standings from what many expected to be a closely contested game to a lopsided victory for the local favorites.
The Reggiana coach, Dimitris Priftis, did not have much to say during post-game interviews, as his players struggled with Trapani's defensive strategies and offensive execution. Meanwhile, Repesa praised the team's commitment and adaptability, emphasizing their strong collective effort in light of Robinson’s absence.
This result has significant implications for both teams moving forward. For Trapani, it's not just about this win; it's about building momentum as they head toward the Final Eight of the Coppa Italia. For Reggiana, it serves as a wake-up call to reassess their strategies and performances as they look to bounce back from this disheartening loss.
Trapani now looks forward with renewed energy, eager to carry the lessons learned from this game and the camaraderie built during their dominant display. The next challenges await, but with the performance they rendered against Reggiana, they are certainly one of the teams to watch.