Napoli Basket edged Derthona Basket 92-90 in a thrilling Lega Basket Serie A contest on October 25, 2026, surviving a tense final possession after a back-and-forth battle that went down to the wire.

The game was tight throughout, with neither side able to build a lasting lead. Derthona led by one at halftime and the teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 66-66. In the end, Napoli’s shot-making and composure in the closing minutes proved decisive, while Derthona were left ruing a handful of missed opportunities at the other end.

Match overview

The first half was a showcase of contrasting styles, with Derthona attacking inside and Napoli countering with perimeter shooting and quick ball movement. Derthona held a narrow 22-20 lead after the first quarter, but Napoli responded to take a 44-43 advantage into the locker room. The third quarter was another tight affair, ending with the score level at 66-66 and setting up a dramatic finish.

• First quarter: Derthona Basket 22-20 Napoli Basket
• Second quarter: Derthona Basket 21-24 Napoli Basket
• Third quarter: Derthona Basket 23-22 Napoli Basket
• Fourth quarter: Derthona Basket 24-26 Napoli Basket
• Final score: Derthona Basket 90-92 Napoli Basket

Key moments

The final two minutes were packed with drama. With the score tied, Napoli hit a contested three-pointer to take the lead, then forced a Derthona miss on the other end. Derthona answered with a quick basket to cut the deficit to one, but Napoli converted key free throws to stay ahead. Derthona had one last chance to tie or win, but their final shot fell short, allowing Napoli to escape with the two-point win.

Earlier, the game’s momentum shifted repeatedly. Derthona’s interior scoring kept them in front during the first half, while Napoli’s guards found rhythm from beyond the arc in the third quarter. Every time one team seemed ready to pull away, the other responded with a timely basket or defensive stop.

Tactical story

Derthona focused on exploiting their size advantage in the paint, running pick-and-roll actions and feeding the post. That approach worked for long stretches, but Napoli adjusted by doubling the post and forcing kick-out passes. Offensively, Napoli relied on ball screens and dribble penetration to collapse the defense, then kicked the ball to open shooters. Their spacing and patience in the final quarter were crucial.

Defensively, Napoli increased their pressure late, making Derthona work deeper into the shot clock. Derthona still generated good looks, but a few crucial misses and a late turnover proved costly. Napoli’s ability to execute in clutch moments was the difference in a game that could have gone either way.

Standout performers and standings impact

Napoli’s backcourt delivered big shots down the stretch, while their frontcourt battled on the boards against a physical Derthona side. Derthona’s leading scorers produced strong individual performances, but the team’s late-game execution fell just short. The two-point margin reflected the closeness of the contest and the fine margins that decided it.

The 92-90 win is a valuable result for Napoli Basket in the Lega Basket Serie A standings, giving them momentum in a competitive early-season race. For Derthona, the defeat is a tough one to take, but the performance showed they can compete with quality opposition. In a game decided by a single possession, Napoli’s composure under pressure made the difference.