Real Sebastiani Rieti vs. UEB Gesteco Cividale – Serie A2 Clash Decided by Dominant Second Half

In the Lega Nazionale Pallacanestro Serie A2, Italy’s second-tier professional league, UEB Gesteco Cividale delivered a commanding performance on May 16, 2026, defeating Real Sebastiani Rieti 90-78 on the road. The victory not only snapped a two-game losing streak for Cividale but also solidified their position in the promotion playoff picture, while Rieti suffered a setback in their quest for a top-eight finish.

Match Overview

Played at the PalaSojourner in Rieti, the game was a battle of contrasting styles: Rieti’s deliberate, half‑court offense against Cividale’s up‑tempo, transition‑heavy attack. The first half was tightly contested, with neither side able to build a lead larger than six points. Rieti went into the locker room up 42-41, thanks to efficient inside scoring from their big men. However, Cividale came out with renewed energy after halftime, outscoring the hosts 28-18 in the third quarter and never looking back.

Key Moments

• Second-Quarter Adjustments: Rieti’s zone defense kept Cividale in check, but foul trouble forced the home team to rotate early.
• Third-Quarter Takedown: Cividale opened the second half on a 15-4 run, keyed by three consecutive three-pointers from shooting guard Simone Bellini.
• Clutch Responds: When Rieti cut the lead to single digits midway through the fourth quarter, Cividale’s point guard Lorenzo Pignatti answered with a driving layup and a steal that led to a fast-break dunk.
• Free Throw Proficiency: Cividale shot 22-of-26 from the free‑throw line in the final period, effectively icing the game.

Standout Players

UEB Gesteco Cividale was led by Simone Bellini, who finished with 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Center Matteo Da Ros contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the glass on both ends. For Real Sebastiani Rieti, forward Francesco Rossi had a team‑high 19 points and 7 rebounds, while veteran guard Alessandro Cittadini added 15 points off the bench.

Season Context

In the competitive Serie A2, every win is crucial. Cividale improved to 18-12, keeping pace with the top four teams vying for automatic promotion to Lega Basket Serie A. Rieti dropped to 14-16, now sitting 10th in the standings, and will need a strong finish to secure a playoff berth. With only a handful of regular‑season games remaining, the margin for error is razor‑thin.

The match showcased the depth and tactical complexity of Italian second‑division basketball, where foreign stars and homegrown talents mix to produce high‑level action. Cividale’s ability to execute after the break proved to be the difference, leaving Rieti to rue a lost opportunity on their home floor.