Ruvo di Puglia – Ruvo Di Puglia edged out Mec-Energy Roseto 72-68 in a fiercely contested Lega Nazionale Pallacanestro Serie A2 clash on 18 May 2026. The home side used a dominant fourth quarter to overturn a six-point deficit and claim a vital victory in their fight for promotion playoff positioning.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the game separated by just two positions in the Serie A2 Girone Rosso standings. Ruvo di Puglia, playing at the PalaColombo, aimed to climb into the top four, while Roseto sought to solidify their mid-table status. The atmosphere was electric as the local tifosi packed the stands, creating a hostile environment for the visitors.

Key Moments

• Slow start for Ruvo: Roseto’s aggressive full-court press forced 7 first-half turnovers, helping them build a 37-32 lead at the break. Roseto’s stretch forward scored 13 points in the first two quarters.
• Third-quarter swing: Ruvo’s head coach made a tactical adjustment, deploying a zone defence that stymied Roseto’s offense. The hosts outscored the visitors 20-14 in the third quarter, tying the game at 55 heading into the final period.
• Clutch fourth-quarter execution: With the score locked at 64-64 with 3:30 left, Ruvo’s point guard took over. He scored 6 consecutive points, including a step-back three and a driving layup, giving Ruvo a 70-66 lead with 90 seconds to play. Roseto cut the margin to 70-68 but missed a potential game-tying three with 12 seconds left. Ruvo sealed the win with two free throws.

Tactical Story

The game turned on defensive adjustments. After a porous first half, Ruvo’s switch to a 2-3 zone in the third quarter neutralised Roseto’s pick-and-pop game, forcing them into contested mid-range jumpers. Ruvo also cleaned up their rebounding, grabbing 14 defensive boards in the second half compared to just 8 in the first. Offensively, Ruvo’s bench contributed 22 points, outpacing Roseto’s reserves (12), a crucial difference in a low-scoring affair.

Standout Players

For Ruvo Di Puglia, the point guard finished with 18 points, 7 assists, and 4 steals, earning player-of-the-game honours. The center added a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the paint. For Mec-Energy Roseto, the shooting guard tallied 20 points, but his 5-of-13 shooting in the second half reflected Ruvo’s improved defence. Roseto’s playmaker had 8 assists but also 4 turnovers in the crucial fourth quarter.

Season Impact

Ruvo di Puglia improves to 18-10, jumping into fourth place in Girone Rosso, one game ahead of fifth-placed Nardò. The top six teams advance to the promotion play-offs, and Ruvo now holds a two-game cushion over seventh place. Roseto falls to 16-12, dropping to seventh, but still very much in the mix. The return leg on 30 May will be crucial for both sides.

Coach Vincenzo Cavaliere praised his team’s resilience: “We showed character after a poor first half. The defensive adjustment was the key, and our leaders stepped up when it mattered. Now we must build on this momentum.” Ruvo next travels to bottom-side San Severo, while Roseto hosts second-placed Ravenna in a tough fixture.