Dinamo Sassari: third place sprint to Tel Aviv
Dinamo Sassari: third place in sprint to Tel Aviv
Dinamo takes 3rd place at the Tel Aviv tournament by beating Promitheas in a sprint 90-89, despite many absences to which must be added that of fatigued Diop. Bucchi manages changes and minutes after 16 hours since the 16-hour overtime against Jerusalem, Gombauld and Treier show off, while Kruslin decides the game first with two triples that keep Sassari afloat then with the overtaking free throws with 14" to go. Whittaker finished with 13 points and 9 assists. For Banco un'another demonstration of group goodness and resilient spirit, a match that serves to put gas in the tank ahead of the championship and above all offers excellent insights from the players employed. Fully recovered Cappelletti.
After not even 24 hours of rest, the Dynamo returns to the court for the 3° place final of the Tel Aviv tournament against the Promitheas of former Stephens and Jones (in the US for family reasons). Bucchi’s team, fresh from the beautiful semifinal against Hapoel Jerusalem, is looking for confirmation and certainty despite heavy absences, including that of fatigued Diop.
Sassari tries to impact in the best way even though the Greeks start better and go immediately on the’8-3. Dinamo doesn’t flinch and with a triple by Treier gets back to 11-10. Former Deshawn Stephens makes his agility count in the basket, Kurucs scores from 3-point range and forces Bucchi to the first time out with Promitheas running away 18-12. Stephens and Kurucs press on the accelerator, Gentile and Gombauld try to answer with a 3-point play, but the Greeks are more concrete and dig the first break of the game. Banco concedes 28 points at the 10’ and è down 9 points.
Nice reaction of Dinamo in the 2° quarter, Bucchi’s team comes out with more aggressiveness and partially rebuilds the gap. Very good Cappelletti and Gombauld who suffers forò Echenique, author of the 3-point play that puts the Promitheas ahead 36-29. Very good Pisano who guarantees precious minutes, Whittaker spins the carousel at its best but the Greeks shoot very well from the arc with Kurucs who s deadly. (43-39 at 17’ with 9/19 from 6.75). The Banco coach does not risk Diop and gives space to everyone with many minutes for Van Eyck and Pisano, trying Treier also from 5. Greeks ahead at halftime 48-41.
Dinamo starts better in the 3° quarter, Gombauld converts in the basket, Raspino comes into his own with a couple of initiatives to the iron, despite Kurucs, Sassari gets closer with a volley basket by Treier (51-49). Promitheas always hurts from 3-point range, Stephens goes strong on offensive rebounding, Banco però stays in touch without Diop and with Gombauld committing the 4° foul. Whittaker when he canò push puts on the turbo, Sassari runs and ties (58-58). 6 consecutive points by Cappelletti allow Dinamo to overtake and maintain the lead at 30’, game turned over (66-68).
Promitheas shooting putting up 12 points in a minute and a half with two 3-point plays and snatching the match. Dinamo tries to stay afloat with Gentile and Cappelletti but immediately goes into the bonus. Greeks who want to win the game and run away on the’ 81-74. The match seems to be headed but Kruslin doesn’t want to give up the fight, two touch triples from very far away, the Banco attempts the rebound. (85-83). Bucchi puts up the best possible quintet, Treier defends twice well in the low post and scores the minus-1 triple after Sassari had wasted the overtake. A recovery with the press packs the two free throws that are worth the incredible lead with 14” to go. With a great defense, Dinamo conquers the victory that helps morale at a difficult time due to injuries, Banco wins 90-89 and takes a little satisfaction, showing spirit and resilience.
