A final shot that squirts off the rim and says no. That's where Esperia Cagliari's run towards the National B Series is shattered. Italservice Loreto Pesaro is celebrating, conquering Monte Mixi 65-63 and gaining promotion. For the rossoblù there's a bitter taste in their mouths, but also the awareness of having built something important for the future.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions: the start was a nightmare for coach Federico Manca's boys, who quickly found themselves down by over twenty points, sunk by the precision of the Marche team and an offensively sterile first half. The symbol of the difficult evening was Marco Giordano: the Argentine, undisputed leader throughout the season, had his most complicated evening, with 1 of 16 from the field and an unprecedented 0 of 10 from three points, precisely in the specialty that usually exalts him.
Yet, when all seemed lost, Esperia reacted. They put their heart, defense and competitive anger on the field. Driven by a very hot PalaEsperia, they began to grind out play and confidence, with Cabriolu, Potì and Thiam leading the recovery. Point after point, basket after basket, the rossoblù reopened everything, until they tied the score with three minutes to go. But just when they needed clarity, inertia returned to Pesaro, who withstood the final assault despite risking a lot.
The match. The start is all about the guests: an immediate 7-0 that takes the breath away from the hosts. Esperia finds its first points only after almost three minutes with Maresca, but the defense of the Marche is tight and the attack of the red and blues remains blocked. Tognacci is unstoppable and Pesaro closes the first quarter ahead 28-16.
In the second period, the gap widens: the guests continue to strike regularly, while Cagliari struggles to create clean shots. The 48-25 at halftime tells of a team in total difficulty.
But when they return to the court, something changes. Sanna immediately scores a three, then Thiam lights up the arena with a three-point play and the spark of a comeback can be seen. The third quarter ends 45-54, with Esperia finally seeming to be in the game.
In the fourth quarter, Monte Mixi becomes a pandemonium. Cabriolu scores from outside, Potì responds present, and with just over three minutes to go the score is 61-61. The dream seems possible. But Pesaro still relies on Tognacci, who scores four consecutive points. Giordano, despite the bad night, closes the gap to -2 from the free throw line. Then the last action: the ball still goes to the Argentine, who takes the responsibility but only finds the rim.
It ends like this. With a disappointment that weighs, but also with the certainty of having the right foundations to start again.
