Legnano Knights Hold Off Pielle Livorno in Serie B Basket Showdown

In a tightly contested Serie B Basket fixture on 14 May 2026, the Legnano Knights defeated Pielle Livorno 88–81 at the PalaBorsani in Legnano. The match, which tipped off at 02:00 local time, saw the Knights use a dominant third quarter and disciplined late‑game execution to repel a spirited Livorno comeback attempt.

Match Overview

Legnano entered the game looking to build momentum after a mid‑season slump, while Pielle Livorno aimed to keep their playoff hopes alive in a competitive Serie B group. The first quarter was a back‑and‑forth affair, with both teams shooting above 50% from the field. Livorno’s fast‑break offense gave them a 24–22 lead after the opening ten minutes. The second quarter saw defenses tighten, and the Knights edged ahead 43–41 at halftime thanks to a late three‑pointer from their captain.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• Third‑quarter explosion: Legnano came out of the locker room with renewed intensity. A 23–10 run, spurred by aggressive drives to the rim and three consecutive steals, gave the home side a 66–51 cushion heading into the fourth quarter.
• Pielle Livorno’s charge: The visitors refused to fold. Behind a pair of three‑pointers from their shooting guard and relentless offensive rebounding, Livorno trimmed the lead to 81–78 with three minutes remaining.
• Clutch defense and free throws: Legnano’s head coach called a timeout to settle his team. The Knights then forced a shot‑clock violation and methodically worked the ball for high‑percentage looks. In the final minute, Legnano went 6‑of‑6 from the free‑throw line to ice the game at 88–81.

Tactical Breakdown

The Knights’ victory was built on defensive pressure and interior dominance. They held Livorno to 39% shooting in the second half and out‑scored the visitors 38‑22 in the paint. Legnano also won the turnover battle 14–9, converting those extra possessions into 18 points. Livorno, for their part, shot 11‑of‑30 from three‑point range but were unable to generate consistent offense when the Knights tightened their man‑to‑man coverage in the clutch.

Standout Performances

• Legnano Knights: The team’s leading scorer tallied 22 points and 7 rebounds, while their point guard dished out 9 assists and recorded 4 steals. The center added a double‑double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
• Pielle Livorno: Livorno’s top performer was their shooting guard, who finished with 26 points (5‑of‑9 from three) and 5 rebounds. Their power forward contributed 18 points and 8 boards in a losing effort.

Season Context and Next Steps

The win improved Legnano’s record to 15‑10 in Serie B Basket, keeping them firmly in the playoff conversation. For Pielle Livorno, the defeat leaves them at 13‑12, still within striking distance of the postseason but needing to string together victories in the coming weeks. Both sides will look to refine their respective schemes as the regular season enters its decisive phase.