Angri’s Comedy of Basketball Triumph
In the grand theatre of women’s basketball, where the stakes are high, and the nerves are higher, we witnessed a not-so-ordinary show! The Angri Pallacanestro Femminile achieved what can only be described as an incredible feat worthy of a standing ovation — beating the previously undefeated league leaders, Basilia Potenza, 82-77 after extra time. Yes, that’s right! The underdogs rose like a phoenix while the Potenza players were likely left to wonder, “Did we just have a collective brain freeze?”
At PalaGalvani, coach Michele Morra’s girls displayed grit, determination, and a profound ability to come back from double-digit deficits more times than I can count. Honestly, you could have put a bowling alley between those gaps, and they’d still be making strikes!
Chronicles of a Victory
Now, let’s dive into the action! The top scorer of the evening was Pragliola, racking up an impressive 19 points, followed closely by the brilliant Carcaterra with 17, Falino with 15, and Capriati also getting 15. Clearly, the only thing hotter than the scoreboard was the competition!
The match kicked off with all the excitement of a slightly lethargic sloth. In fact, it was so slow that I half-expected to see a coach yelling, “Faster, ladies! Let’s pretend we’re running for dessert!” Potenza, however, managed to first lead—probably due to their late-night espresso shots—putting themselves ahead at 9-17. But, wait for it, Angri wasn’t ready to roll over just yet. With a bomb from Falino, they ended the first quarter at a respectable 15-17. Not close enough for comfort, but hey, at least no one was losing their shoes!
As the game progressed into the second quarter, Potenza attempted to bolt away once more, emboldened by Coelloperez and Armenti—but those grey-reds weren’t about to let that happen. They turned up the heat with superb performances from Sapienza and Pragliola, heading into halftime trailing by a mere 32-36. A nail-biter, par for the course! I would’ve needed a whole bag of popcorn to handle the tension.
Then, in a stunning third act twist, Potenza tried extending their lead to a solid 43-53. But like a bad sequel that just won’t end, Angri remained undaunted. Capriati and Falino breathed life back into the match. The final minutes of regulation were so electrifying that I felt like I was watching a blockbuster with a plot twist coming every second! Pragliola tapped in the equalizer at 70-70, casually saying, “Overtime? Bring it on!” as if they’d actually planned for this sort of drama!
The overtime tested nerves like a first date with your in-laws, but Angri charged ahead, buoyed by Capriati and Kazantseva scoring swiftly to grab a 74-70 lead. In what could only be described as a show of sheer basketball wizardry, they sealed the deal with a spectacular three-pointer from Manna, concluding the game with a final score of 82-77. Cue the confetti, folks!
The Victory Celebration
And just like that, the city exploded into celebration! A glorious night for the grey-reds as they basked in the glow of their triumph against such formidable opponents. The energy was palpable, and I imagine it was the winning thrill equivalent of being given the last piece of pizza—the best kind of happiness!
Scoreboard Breakdown
Angri Women’s Basketball: Catalani, Pragliola 19, Manna 5, Kazantseva 5, Lombardo ne, Sapienza 6, Falino 15, Coppola, Carcaterra 17, Capriati 15.
Basilia Potenza: Mendy 15, Micovic, Fiorentini 20, Coelloperez 15, Mancuso 4, Tewiah 3, Bochicchio, Galasso, Armenti 10, D’Avanzo 10, Umah.
Partials: 15-17, 32-36, 48-55, 70-70.
Referees: Licciardo and La Corte, who should probably be given free tickets every game from now on!
The Angri Pallacanestro Femminile delivered not just a victory, but an unforgettable experience that will be talked about over dinner tables long after the game is over. Bravo, ladies! The only thing more impressive than your comeback will be how you tackle that trip to Naples. Safe travels—gather all the gelato for the victory lap!
The Angri Pallacanestro Femminile achieved a remarkable victory, toppling the previously undefeated league leaders Basilia Potenza with a final score of 82-77 after an exhilarating period of extra time. Competing at PalaGalvani, the astute strategy of coach Michele Morra was on full display as his squad exhibited tremendous resilience, valiantly overcoming double-digit deficits multiple times throughout the matchup.
Chronicles of a victory
Top scorer Pragliola delivered an impressive performance, racking up 19 points, while Carcaterra contributed significantly with 17 points. The contributions from Falino and Capriati, who both scored 15 points each, were also vital in securing the victory. The match commenced at a slow pace with both teams struggling initially, yet Potenza managed to establish an early lead at 9-17. However, Angri swiftly responded with Falino sinking a crucial three-pointer, closing out the first quarter narrowly at 15-17.
During the second quarter, Potenza attempted to create separation, driven by the efforts of Coelloperez and Armenti, stretching their lead to 15-24. Nevertheless, the grey-reds rallied back with decisive plays from both Sapienza and Pragliola, heading into halftime trailing closely at 32-36. The second half saw Potenza trying to further distance themselves with a score of 43-53, yet Angri’s persistent spirit shone through as they found renewed energy from Capriati and Falino to claw their way back into contention.
The closing moments of the fourth quarter were charged with tension, culminating in Pragliola netting a critical equalizing shot at 70-70, which propelled the match into overtime. In the five extra minutes, Angri burst out of the gate energetically with Capriati and Kazantseva leading the charge to establish a 74-70 advantage. Despite valiant efforts from Fiorentini and Armenti to reclaim the lead for Potenza, a game-sealing three-pointer from Manna ultimately clinched the victory for Angri, finishing the contest at 82-77.
A jubilant celebration ensued for the grey-reds, marking a significant triumph against a formidable opponent as they shift their focus to an upcoming trip to Naples, where they hope to continue their momentum.
Scoreboard
Angri Women’s Basketball: Catalani, Pragliola 19, Manna 5, Kazantseva 5, Lombardo ne, Sapienza 6, Falino 15, Coppola, Carcaterra 17, Capriati 15.
Basilia Potenza: Mendy 15, Micovic, Fiorentini 20, Coelloperez 15, Mancuso 4, Tewiah 3, Bochicchio, Galasso, Armenti 10, D’Avanzo 10, Umah.
Partials: 15-17, 32-36, 48-55, 70-70.
Referees: Licciardo and La Corte.
Angri Basketball
Maria Iemmino Pellegrino
How do you plan to maintain your team’s momentum after this significant win against an undefeated opponent?
**Interview with Angri Pallacanestro Femminile Coach Michele Morra Post-Victory Against Basilia Potenza**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Coach Morra! Congratulations on an incredible victory against the previously undefeated Basilia Potenza! How does it feel to have led your team to such an impressive win?
**Michele Morra:** Thank you! It feels absolutely phenomenal. This match was a true test of grit and resilience. The way the girls rallied back from double-digit deficits multiple times was nothing short of spectacular. I’m incredibly proud of their determination and teamwork.
**Interviewer:** The game had its share of twists and turns, especially heading into overtime. What kind of motivation did you provide your players during those tense moments?
**Michele Morra:** I reminded them to stay focused on our game plan and not to let the pressure affect them. We always believe in each other, and I encouraged them to play as a unit. The main message was, “Let’s enjoy this moment—just play basketball!” That mindset really paid off.
**Interviewer:** Pragliola was a standout performer, scoring 19 points. What can you tell us about her impact in this game and throughout the season?
**Michele Morra:** Pragliola has been phenomenal not just today but all season long. She has an innate ability to read the game and create opportunities, both for herself and her teammates. Her scoring today was critical, but her vision and defense were equally important. She’s a true leader on the court.
**Interviewer:** Your team showed remarkable spirit and teamwork, especially with contributions from players like Carcaterra and Falino. How do you foster such a strong team dynamic?
**Michele Morra:** It all comes down to trust and communication. We work hard in practice to build relationships and develop on-court chemistry. The girls know that when one of them shines, it’s because the others are supporting her. We genuinely care for one another, and that’s what makes us successful.
**Interviewer:** After such an exhilarating victory, how will you prepare for your next match?
**Michele Morra:** We’ll celebrate this win for a bit, but it’s back to business as usual. There’s always room for improvement, and I’ll be guiding them to focus on what we can refine. It’s important not to get too complacent. Each game is a new challenge, and we need to stay grounded.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what’s your message to the fans who supported you throughout this match?
**Michele Morra:** Thank you! Your energy is what fuels us. We felt you cheering us on all the way from the stands, especially during those tense moments. We hope to continue giving you these thrilling performances. Keep believing in us as we push forward together!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Morra, and best of luck in your upcoming games!
**Michele Morra:** Thank you! We appreciate your support!
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This interview captures the essence of the Angri Pallacanestro Femminile’s victory in a relaxed and engaging dialogue while allowing Coach Michele Morra to express his emotions and thoughts post-game.
