Passalacqua Ragusa grows in the final moments and defeats Umbertide

Passalacqua Ragusa shifts gears in the final quarter and, after a comeback built on an attentive and aggressive defense, defeats Umbertide 70-62 in the XXIV round of the Serie A2 women's league, capitalizing on the lead and managing the final minutes with clarity.

It was clear from the eve that it would be a complex challenge: physicality, pace, and attention to detail marked the course of the match.

Starting lineups: for Ragusa, on the court are Consolini, Moriconi, Narviciute, Di Fine, and Johnson; Umbertide responds with Ramona Tomasoni (former player), Sorrentino, Gianangeli, Baldi, and Amatori.

The guests start better: with initiatives from Gianangeli, Tomasoni, and Amatori, they take a five-point lead, quickly halved by a three-pointer with a foul from Moriconi that keeps the home team in touch.

The first period is a constant back-and-forth, with Ragusa chasing and closing the gap. For Passalacqua, Narviciute makes a difference by moving the defense, and Johnson is always timely in the paint. Umbertide finishes the first quarter two points ahead and tries to accelerate at the start of the second quarter: Tomasoni and Baldi score to make it +6; after two minutes without scoring, Johnson cuts it to -4, but Del Sole extends it again from beyond the arc.

Once again, Johnson and Moriconi keep the Sicilians close, and with three minutes left until halftime, Ragusa is back to -2. The grit of Sorrentino and a quick score from Del Sole seem to break the momentum, but the Ibleans stretch out: the new entry Grattini also gets on the scoresheet, followed by captain Consolini, Cedolini, and a Johnson who finds better depth in spacing. At halftime, Passalacqua takes the lead: 33-32.

The third period opens very poorly for the locals: in just 50 seconds, Umbertide scores a 6-0 run with two three-pointers from Baldi and Tomasoni. Led by Gianangeli and a three-point play from Sorrentino (2+1), with Baldi cooling from the free-throw line after a foul on a long shot, the Umbrians soar to +9.

Ragusa, however, does not fall apart: Grattini breaks the wave, coach Staccini calls a timeout in search of the knockout blow that does not come. Narviciute, Labanca, and Consolini keep the home team afloat (49-55) and propel them into the final quarter with favorable momentum and the desire to reap the rewards of the last month's work.

In the last quarter, Umbertide loses clarity: the first points, from a stopped play, come only 4'30" from the buzzer with two free throws by Sorrentino, while Narviciute, Johnson, and Mazza raise the intensity on defense, recover balls, convert on offense, and waste nothing. Closing the accounts is Consolini, who seals it 50 seconds from the end: 70-62.

Defensive recoveries and careful management of the margin made the difference, with honorable mentions for Narviciute and Mazza.

“I believe that today the best on the court was Narviciute; she was excellent, I’m happy for her, she deserves it. During the week she works like a true professional. Today was the cherry on top – says coach Buzzanca of Passalacqua –. In the first three quarters, we had a not-so-good defensive attitude; in the last quarter, we stepped on the gas and recovered balls, applied defensive pressure, and took advantage of the opportunities under the basket with Johnson, who was masterful. Mazza at certain moments of the game imposed herself with personality both on offense and defense. We earned this victory.”

Also satisfied is Gabri Narviciute: “It was a nice game, we all had fun – comments Gabri Narviciute –, when we are at full strength, even with the absence of Bea Stroscio, we have shown that we know how to play and can be good on the court. It hasn’t been an easy few months, finally a bit of fresh air. Today we started a bit with the handbrake on and with little fluidity, then we shifted gears at the end and brought out a performance of character and teamwork.”

Passalacqua – Umbertide 70-62
The scorecard
16-18; 33-32 (17-14); 49-55 (16-23); 70-62 (21-7)
Passalacqua Ragusa: Mallo ne, Consolini 11, Cedolini 2, Mazza 8, Stroscio ne, Moriconi 9, Narviciute 10, Olodo ne, Di Fine, Labanca 5, Johnson 20. Coach: Buzzanca

Umbertide: Del Sole 5, Bartolini, Sorrentino 20, Tomasoni 7, Gianangeli 4, Paolocci, Baldi 19, Amatori 7, Pedana ne, Colella ne. Coach: Staccini

Notes. Two-point shots: Ragusa 25/50 (50%) Umbertide 13/30 (43%); Three-point shots: Ragusa 2/10 (20%), Umbertide 6/14 (42%); Free throws: Ragusa 14/20 (70%) Umbertide 18/20 (90%); Rebounds: Ragusa 34, Umbertide 28; Turnovers: Ragusa 15, Umbertide 22; Steals: Ragusa 11, Umbertide 3; Assists: Ragusa 14, Umbertide 12.
Fouled out: Amatori (Umbertide)
Referees: Giuseppe Scarfò from Palmi (RC) and Samuele Riggio from Siderno (RC)