Darren Skuse posted on December 18, 2008 10:36
Saturday night was set to be the icing on the cake for the first half of S.Stefano’s season. Although Guilanova proved to throw a spanner in the works for S.Stefano’s 5 on the trot. In the opening minutes of the game it could be seen that it was not going to be an easy task for S.Stefano.
During the previous 3 trials games S.Stefano had come through with routine victories but that was set to change on Saturday night. With a see-sawing lead during the first quarter, and ending the first half 32-31 in favour of S.Stefano. Guilanova had obviously done there homework from earlier encounters and was definitely ready to fight for the 2pts. Defensive tactics of S.Stefano did not prove solid against Guilanova, and offensive structure was lacking.
With foul trouble playing a part again in Roberto Ceriscioli and myself both on 4 fouls in the 3rd quarter. Although S.Stefano pulled out a 9 point lead, Guilanova kept chipping away with outside threats no.8 dropping 3, triples from well outside. Guilanova went into the 4th with 13 point advantage.
Although this did not deter S.Stefano who came out firing with never say die attitude in the final quarter, pulling the lead back to 6 points with aggressive pressure and outside shooting coming good. The dying moments of the game were dominated slowing down of the clock, with S.Stefano making Guilanova earn there win from the free line. But it was too little to late. It was a disappointing end to S.Stefano season Guilanova coming out on top 72-67.
With all players now returning home for Christmas for a 2 week break, everyone will return ready and raring to go for the next half of the season, including Coppa Italia, and first round of Champion Cups which will be hosted by S.Stefano in Porto Potenza Picena.