Edilizia Moderna Rimini fought valiantly on their home floor but fell just short as Victoria Libertas Pesaro snatched a dramatic 96‑94 road victory in the Lega Nazionale Pallacanestro Serie A2. The contest, played on 17 May 2026 at the Palasport Flaminio, delivered everything a basketball fan could ask for: lead changes, clutch shooting and a finish that will be replayed for weeks.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showed why they are considered among the most competitive sides in Italy’s second division. Rimini, known for their up‑tempo offence, pushed the pace from the start, while Pesaro relied on a disciplined half‑court attack. The first quarter ended with the visitors holding a narrow 26‑24 lead, but the home side responded in the second period, using a 10‑2 run to take a 52‑48 advantage into halftime.

The third quarter saw Pesaro’s defence tighten, forcing Rimini into tough shots and capitalising on fast‑break opportunities. By the end of the period, the score was tied at 74‑74, setting up a tension‑filled final ten minutes. The fourth quarter featured six lead changes and two ties, with neither team able to establish a cushion larger than four points.

Key Moments

• Clutch three‑pointer (2:18 left): With Rimini trailing 89‑86, shooting guard Luca Benvenuti drained a step‑back triple from the top of the arc to even the score and ignite the home crowd.
• Pesaro’s answer (1:04 left): Point guard Marco Ferri drove the lane, drew a foul and finished an and‑one lay‑up to put Pesaro up 93‑91. He converted the free throw to make it 94‑91.
• Rimini’s last stand (0:12 left): After a defensive stop, Rimini’s Alessandro Nardi was fouled on a three‑point attempt. He made all three free throws to tie the game at 94‑94.
• The winner (0.6 seconds left): Pesaro inbounded to forward Davide Rinaldi, who caught the ball on the wing, pump‑faked and released a contested jumper that kissed the glass and fell through the net as the buzzer sounded.

Standout Performers

• Davide Rinaldi (Pesaro): The game’s hero finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. His ability to create his own shot in crunch time was decisive.
• Alessandro Nardi (Rimini): Led all scorers with 31 points, including 6‑of‑9 from three‑point range. His free‑throw shooting under pressure kept Rimini alive.
• Marco Ferri (Pesaro): Contributed 18 points and 9 assists, orchestrating the offence with composure throughout the fourth quarter.

Table and Season Impact

With this result, Victoria Libertas Pesaro improved to 18‑12 in the Serie A2 standings, strengthening their hold on a playoff berth. The victory also avenged a 101‑97 loss to Rimini earlier in the season.

For Edilizia Moderna Rimini (16‑14), the narrow defeat stings, especially after they had fought back from a six‑point deficit early in the fourth quarter. Nonetheless, they remain firmly in contention for the post‑season, sitting just one game behind the top six.

Conclusion

This thriller at the Palasport Flaminio will be remembered as one of the most exciting games of the Serie A2 season. Both teams displayed character, skill and resilience, but it was Pesaro who had the final, victorious possession. Rimini will look to bounce back quickly, while Pesaro ride the momentum of a statement road win.