In a tense and tightly contested Serie A2 matchup, Carmatic Pistoia edged out a gritty 80–78 victory over Ruvo Di Puglia on the road in the early hours of May 14, 2026. The game, played in front of a passionate home crowd, came down to the final possessions, with Pistoia holding its nerve to snatch the win and keep its playoff hopes alive.

Match Overview

Ruvo Di Puglia entered the contest looking to build momentum on their home floor, but Carmatic Pistoia proved to be a tough opponent that never let the hosts seize full control. The two sides traded leads throughout the night, with neither team able to pull away by more than a handful of points. In the end, it was Pistoia’s composure in the clutch that made the difference.

The final score of 80–78 tells the story of a game that was as close as the numbers suggest. Both teams shot efficiently from the field, but Pistoia’s ability to execute down the stretch, especially from the free‑throw line, proved critical.

Key Moments

• First half battle: Ruvo Di Puglia started strong, opening a small lead in the first quarter. Pistoia responded with a 10‑2 run to take a 42–40 advantage into halftime.
• Third quarter push: The home side came out inspired after the break, retaking the lead at 62–60 by the end of the third quarter. The crowd sensed a possible upset.
• Final minutes: With the score tied at 76–76 with under two minutes to play, Pistoia’s guard converted a tough layup and then drew a foul, sinking both free throws to make it 80–76. Ruvo’s last‑second three‑pointer cut the deficit to two, but time expired before they could tie the game.

Standout Players

For Carmatic Pistoia, the backcourt duo of Marco Fioravanti and Andrea Rovatti combined for 38 points, with Fioravanti sinking critical free throws in the final minute. Ruvo Di Puglia’s forward Luca Bellani led all scorers with 22 points and added 9 rebounds, nearly willing his team to victory.

Impact on the Serie A2 Standings

The victory moves Carmatic Pistoia into a stronger position in the crowded mid‑table of Serie A2, while Ruvo Di Puglia’s loss drops them into a tie with other teams just above the relegation zone. With the season entering its decisive phase, every result carries extra weight. Pistoia will look to build on this road win, while Ruvo must regroup quickly to keep its playoff ambitions alive.

This closely fought contest was a reminder of how competitive the Italian second division can be, with parity running deep throughout the league.