Victoria Libertas Pesaro secured a hard-fought 76-68 home win over UEB Gesteco Cividale in Lega Nazionale Pallacanestro Serie A2, using a disciplined fourth-quarter finish to close out a game that remained competitive deep into the second half. Pesaro’s defensive intensity and late execution proved decisive in front of their home crowd.

Match overview

Pesaro started with purpose, moving the ball efficiently and finding good looks inside and out. A 20-16 first-quarter lead set the tone, and the hosts extended their advantage to 38-31 by halftime. Cividale remained within touching distance thanks to determined rebounding and a handful of timely three-pointers, but they struggled to string together stops against Pesaro’s patient half-court offense.

The third quarter was tight, with both teams trading baskets. Pesaro managed to hold a 57-49 lead heading into the final period, but Cividale refused to fade. The visitors cut the deficit to six early in the fourth and had chances to make it a one-possession game before Pesaro’s defense tightened.

Key moments

The decisive stretch came midway through the fourth quarter. With Cividale threatening at 62-56, Pesaro produced an 8-0 run capped by a transition dunk and a corner three-pointer. The burst pushed the lead back to 14 and forced Cividale to chase the game. Although the visitors responded with a late 6-0 spurt of their own, Pesaro made the necessary free throws down the stretch to seal the result.

A key defensive possession with just over two minutes remaining saw Pesaro force a shot-clock violation, effectively ending Cividale’s comeback hopes. The hosts then controlled the tempo and avoided turnovers in the closing moments.

Tactical story

Pesaro’s half-court defense was the difference. They limited Cividale to 38% shooting from the field and 7-of-26 from three-point range, often forcing the visitors into contested late-clock attempts. Pesaro’s guards did an excellent job of containing dribble penetration, while their big men rotated well to protect the rim and clean up the defensive glass.

On offense, Pesaro shared the ball and attacked mismatches. They finished with 18 assists and consistently found the open man against Cividale’s switching defense. The visitors stayed close by crashing the offensive boards, but their inability to convert open threes in the fourth quarter proved costly.

Standout performers

Pesaro’s veteran point guard was instrumental, finishing with 16 points and seven assists while committing only one turnover in the second half. The team’s power forward added 14 points and nine rebounds, providing a steady interior presence. Cividale’s best performer was their energetic forward, who recorded 18 points and nine rebounds, but he lacked consistent support in the closing minutes.

Season impact

The win gives Victoria Libertas Pesaro an important confidence boost and keeps them in the upper half of the Serie A2 standings. For UEB Gesteco Cividale, the loss is a reminder that road games in this league demand near-perfect execution down the stretch. Pesaro will aim to build on their defensive momentum, while Cividale return home looking to sharpen their late-game offense.