The first high-stakes test failed. Rimini conquered PalaSerradimigni (84-67) after a game where they led for 38 minutes, often scoring in double figures. The difference in physical condition (especially defensively) and fluidity of play was too great compared to the team that had made the last two promotion finals. The absence of forward Riismaa (held as a precaution) was felt beyond measure on a night where Michele Vitali was a silent attacker.
Off they go, 0-9, with former players Udom and Stephens prevailing. Sassari recovers with three-pointers and takes the lead (18-15 at the 8th minute), but it will also be the last time, as Rimini defends strongly by the end of the quarter and especially in the second half, leaving no rebounds under their backboard, and rotating ten players to reach a 24-38 lead.
In the third quarter, the excellent Nze (16 points) tried to single-handedly lead Banco (48-58), but as soon as he left the court, it was another pitch-black offensive game. In the final quarter, Luca Vitali's white-and-blues even got within 24 points.
