Usmate (W) held off Vicenza Women 76-71 in a closely contested Italy Women A2 matchup on October 25, 2026, using late-game composure and timely free-throw shooting to secure a hard-earned home win. The game was tight throughout, but Usmate made the bigger plays in the final minutes to deny Vicenza a road result.

Match overview

Usmate (W) and Vicenza Women traded leads for much of the afternoon in a game that featured contrasting styles. Usmate looked to establish an inside presence and control the defensive glass, while Vicenza relied on perimeter shooting and quick ball movement to create open looks. Neither team was able to build a double-digit lead, and the final margin stayed within one possession until the closing moments.

The 76-71 scoreline reflected the balance between the two sides. Usmate’s half-court execution and rebounding gave the hosts a slight edge, while Vicenza’s three-point shooting kept the visitors within striking distance. In the end, Usmate’s ability to execute under pressure made the difference.

How the game was won

Usmate’s advantage came in the paint. The hosts attacked the basket consistently, drawing fouls and creating second-chance opportunities. That interior pressure forced Vicenza to collapse its defense, which in turn opened up kick-out passes and driving lanes. Usmate did not shoot the ball perfectly, but it generated enough high-quality attempts to stay in front.

Vicenza Women stayed competitive by moving the ball and knocking down perimeter shots. The visitors used screens and off-ball movement to free shooters, and they repeatedly answered Usmate’s runs with timely baskets. But down the stretch, Vicenza’s offense stalled just enough for Usmate to seize control.

Key moments

• Fourth-quarter run: Usmate (W) used a short burst to create a narrow cushion, forcing Vicenza to play from behind in the final minutes.
• Defensive stops: The hosts came up with crucial stops late, contesting shots and limiting Vicenza’s clean looks from beyond the arc.
• Free-throw discipline: Usmate converted key free throws in the closing seconds to protect the lead.
• Rebounding battle: The hosts’ work on the offensive glass created extra possessions that proved decisive in a five-point game.

Tactical story: inside-out balance

Usmate (W) played with an inside-out approach. The hosts established their bigs early, forcing Vicenza to defend the paint. Once the defense shifted, Usmate’s guards found space to drive or dish to open shooters. That balance made the hosts difficult to defend, especially in the second half.

Vicenza Women’s game plan revolved around spacing and perimeter shooting. When the visitors moved the ball quickly, they created open looks and kept the game close. But Usmate’s defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter — tighter closeouts and better help rotations — disrupted Vicenza’s rhythm at the worst possible time.

Standout performers

Usmate’s frontcourt controlled the boards and provided a steady interior scoring presence, while the guards managed the game well in the closing minutes. Vicenza’s perimeter players kept the visitors in contention with important shots, and the team’s ball movement created problems for Usmate for long stretches. The difference was Usmate’s ability to combine interior scoring with late-game defensive stops.

Italy Women A2 standings and season impact

The 76-71 win gives Usmate (W) a valuable result in the Italy Women A2 standings and reinforces the importance of protecting home court. Close victories can build belief, especially when they are earned through defense and execution rather than simply hot shooting. For Vicenza Women, the loss is a narrow one that will be frustrating, but the performance showed the team can compete on the road.

Both teams will take lessons from the game. Usmate can build on its rebounding and late-game composure, while Vicenza will look to improve its execution in the final five minutes. In a league as competitive as Italy Women A2, those small margins often decide who climbs the table and who settles for near misses.

Final takeaway

Usmate (W)’s 76-71 victory over Vicenza Women was a tight, tactical contest decided by late-game execution. The hosts controlled the paint, made the critical stops and converted their free throws when it mattered most.