GTG Pistoia, step back in the last test against Florence
from Francesco Belliti
PISTOIA – If they registered against Fortitudo Bologna they were excellent, today, against a team of a lower category, Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia played a test with few positive notes. The red and white appeared to be little connected individually and with each other: little defensive intensity and a full insufficiency in the offensive plots. A 0-3 in friendly tests, therefore, who can dare to think.
A positive note is certainly the arrival of Jordon Varnado in Pistoia, now in plain clothes to follow his new teammates from the bench. Obviously having carried out a preparation without the two most identifying elements of the team did not favor the red and white in these first engagements on the field, but it is also true that in six days there will be points up for grabs.
Florence has imposed itself thanks to its offensive leaders: from an absolutely illegal Laganà for B from 28 points to an old fox like Franko Bushati who instead produced 17. A team with great ambitions that today has shown that it can play a great role protagonist in the championship that awaits him.
As for Pistoia, Huggins produced 18 points with another flashy performance, while the pair of longs Magro-Del Chiaro put others in the pan. Allinei and Pollone were also less timid in shooting, while Saccaggi stopped shortly after his contribution due to a shoulder problem.
The head now goes to the debut in the Super Cup on Saturday against Rieti: by that date, Wheatle may have already returned from his engagement with the British national team at Eurobasket. Obviously, it will get serious and much more will be needed, but this is a team that must be expected.
The chronicle of the race
The guests leave strong with the bombs of Ndoja and Passoni: Laganà also joins them for the Florentine +7. Huggins tries to put a piece on it but coach Brienza, unhappy with the start of him, calls a time-out. It is still the US guard who makes the loud voice in attack, while there is a shoulder problem for Saccaggi who is forced to leave the field. Pistoia grows in defense and makes the comeback with Magro, Allinei and Del Chiaro: this time it is coach Gresta who stops the games. The reaction of the lilies is again entrusted to the skilled hands of Marco Laganà: more than a luxury for Serie B. Florence closes the first stage ahead.
Basket of the under Farinon, bomb of captain Della Rosa and Pistoia back on. New turnaround of guests by experienced men Ndoja and Bushati: -8 and all to be redone for Pistoia. Few ideas for the boys of coach Brienza who are punished by another 4 points of Ndoja which are worth +12 Florence. A Pollone bomb makes the score less heavy against the hosts.
Allinei and Magro return, reducing the gap to -2, immediately forcing coach Gresta to call his team back on the bench. The triples of Bushati and Passoni give back a substantial advantage to the guests: Pistoia is again in trouble, with only Huggins trying to keep him in him. The double figure of disadvantage remains, despite the great contribution to the cause of Del Chiaro.
Laganà continues to execute Pistoia from a long distance: fortunately this time the Aggregate Graziani replies. The former Di Pizzo also arrives. The Pistoia comeback is naturally entrusted to Huggins who in the first instance impacts 5 points, but on the other hand, the productionganà does not stop producing. After Huggins’ triple, Klaudio Ndoja is the executioner: +13 two minutes from the end.
Giorgio Tesi Pistoia Group – Basketball Florence: 66-80 (22-24, 10-17, 19-21, 15-18)
Pistoia: Metsla, Della Rosa 3, Lurini, Huggins 18, Graziani 3, Farinon 2, Natalini, Saccaggi, Del Chiaro 14, Magro 12, Allinei 7, Pollone 7
Florence: Di Pizzo 8, Laganà 28, Guerra 2, Ndoja 12, Passoni 10, Mazzotti 2, Giannuzzi, Nnabuife, Bushati 17