Serie B basketball, Luiss Roma rejects Cassino and remains first in the standings

Basketball, we know, is a wonderful game because it doesn’t take much for a completely dominated game to become hard-fought in just a few minutes.

This is what happened at the Palaluiss on Saturday 25 March between the university students, first in the standings, and Cassino, in the chasing group. It’s a top-flight clash between two teams in excellent form.

The departure of Luiss Basket Serie B is sensational. Paccariè’s boys defend with surprising intensity and make the ball move by heart. The first quarter ends 27-11, with an absolute domination by Luiss and Cassino unable to find the iron. Triples by Fallucca, Barbon and Jovovic, solos by Pasqualin: Luiss seems impregnable, defends and plays as a team like few others.

In the second quarter, the basket machine designed by Paccariè relaxed and slowed down, but Cassino never found the right continuity to return. The power of Murri, the unpredictability of Legnini, the direction of Di Bonaventura and the solidity under the basket of Allodi and Perotti mean that Luiss goes to the break by lapping Cassino 42-21.

In the second half the match becomes physical and dirty. The percentages are lowered and Cassino tries to react. Luiss no longer scores easily in the first quarter and is content to keep her opponents away. We enter the last quarter with Luiss leading 55-40. Legnini and Jovovic find two baskets that are essential to keep the lead. We are 62-50.

Cassino, in 40 seconds, places two triples with Brigato and Gay and gets closer to 62-58. Luiss is tired and is content to try triples without rhythm. We are at 39 and Brigato with 2 free throws takes Cassino even to 62-60.

The ball burns and Fallucca doesn’t get scared: he throws a triple on the first iron, but Legnini manages to find the long rebound. It is on the line: the impression is that he manages to get the ball going instead he takes the shot and it will be decisive. He just net. Palaluiss explodes.

Cassino forces from three, but has none left. Pasqualin from the line gives him a well-deserved victory.

Luiss rises to 40. We return to the court on April 2 in Avellino.