The third round of the Universities of Rome Championship BK3 took place last night at Sapienza Sport where our JCU Men’s Basketball team faced the remaining three teams in the qualifying rounds – Università Europea di Roma (UER), Roma 3 University (R3), and The American University of Rome (AUR).
JCU had only four players on the starting blocks, but our Gladiators fought hard until the end, winning one game and missing the victory by a thread in the other two games.
In the first game, JCU faced UER and lost to the opponents by only one point, 12-11, but with a doubtful counting of the score. The two teams played a balanced game and battled on the field on equal terms. JCU defense was not always efficient, but our Gladiators set up an excellent offense, with many successful shots from outside the area.
In the second game, JCU played against R3. This time, our Gladiators gave a better performance with a more well-organized defense and great teamwork, which allowed them to take the victory, 10-9.
JCU vs AUR – BK3 | March 2, 2020
The last game against AUR is fought head to head. Despite, the opponents were more physically present in the game compared to our Gladiators, JCU still managed to move well the ball and find successful solutions to score. JCU lost, 12-11, due to a decisive three-point shot by AUR player that was hardly defensible.
“Despite the number of players we had tonight, we played at very high intensity,” coach Serraino pointed out. “We still have extremely valid elements to keep being competitive even in the UISP tournament. The willpower of our remaining players and the ability to attract new players will be fundamental elements to end the Season in the best way as possible.”
At the end of the third round, this is the current ranking:
1. FORO ITALICO
2. THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ROME
3. JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
4. UNIVERSITA’ EUROPEA DI ROMA
5. UNICUSANO
6. EDUCATT
7. ROMA 3
8. LA SAPIENZA
In the last round, JCU will have to face Educatt for the quartefinals. The game will have a direct elimination, so only the winner will move forward in the tournament, which will end on the same night.
Good job, Gladiators! Now stay focused and keep working hard!
MVP – Preston Corral
