Juvecaserta 2021 87–89 Herons Montecatini
Serie B Basket – Regular Season | 10 May 2026

In a heart-stopping contest that had the PalaMaggiò crowd on its feet until the final buzzer, Juvecaserta 2021 fell just short against Herons Montecatini, losing 87–89 in a high‑stakes Serie B Basket clash. The visitors snatched the win with a clutch three‑pointer in the closing seconds, delivering a blow to Caserta’s playoff ambitions.

Match Overview

Both teams entered the game locked in a tight mid‑table battle, with playoff seeding on the line. From the opening tip, the pace was frenetic. Juvecaserta built a modest lead in the first quarter behind strong interior play, but Montecatini’s perimeter shooting kept them within striking distance. The score was tied 42–42 at halftime.

The third quarter saw Montecatini seize control through a 12‑2 run, pushing the lead to eight points. But Caserta responded with a gritty defensive stand and a flurry of fast‑break points, setting up a dramatic final period. With 15 seconds left, the home team trailed 86–87 when a driving layup tied the game. Montecatini then calmly executed their final possession, and guard Alessio Rota drained a step‑back triple as the shot clock expired, sealing the 89–87 victory.

Key Performers

• Juvecaserta 2021: Forward Marco De Luca led all scorers with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Point guard Federico Bruni added 19 points and 7 assists but struggled with Montecatini’s pressure defense in the final minute.
• Herons Montecatini: Alessio Rota was the hero with 22 points, including the game‑winning triple. Center Lorenzo Betti contributed a double‑double (14 points, 12 rebounds), providing a sturdy presence in the paint.

Turning Point

With 2:30 remaining, Juvecaserta’s captain Davide Santi picked up his fifth foul, forcing him to the bench. His absence allowed Montecatini to exploit mismatches inside, drawing fouls and converting crucial free throws. That sequence, combined with Rota’s late heroics, proved decisive.

Season Impact

The loss drops Juvecaserta to 14‑12, now tied with two other teams for the final playoff spot. Herons Montecatini improve to 15‑11, bolstering their position in the top five. With only four games left in the regular season, every win is precious, and this result could have major implications for the postseason bracket.