Trieste vs Sassari on 24 January
The Serie A clash between Trieste and Sassari on January 24 promises to be a high-octane battle that could shape the landscape of the Italian basketball league in a crucial way. With both teams positioned in the mid-to-upper bracket of the standings, the stakes are enormous as each looks to secure a vital victory to solidify their playoff ambitions. The Palasport Mario Cioni in Trieste will be the venue for this intense matchup, where the tactical acumen and individual brilliance of both teams will be on full display. With the season reaching its climax, every game is a potential turning point. So, what can we expect from this showdown? Let's dive into the detailed analysis.
Trieste: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Trieste enters this match with a solid but unspectacular recent run, winning three of their last five contests. The team's form has been defined by their ability to grind out victories in the half-court, often relying on their defensive structure to limit opposing teams’ scoring opportunities. Coach Eugenio Dalmasson's squad thrives on a balanced offense and tough defense, often playing with a deliberate pace in the half-court and focusing on smart ball movement and setting screens. Their field goal percentage stands at a respectable 47%, but it’s their defense that truly sets them apart, allowing just 76.2 points per game on average.
Their reliance on sharpshooter Derrick Marks, who averages 18.5 points per game, has been a key feature of their offensive game plan. Marks, a versatile scorer who can hit from beyond the arc, as well as drive to the rim, is often the catalyst for Trieste’s offense. However, it’s the playmaking of point guard Corey Davis that truly unlocks the team's potential, creating opportunities for Marks and fellow guard James Blackmon. Despite their strengths, Trieste has struggled with turnovers, averaging 14.3 per game, which will need to be addressed if they are to challenge the league’s elite.
In terms of player availability, Trieste enters the match with a full squad, meaning they’ll be able to field their preferred starting lineup and rotation. Their strong frontcourt, led by veteran forward Frank Gaines, will also be pivotal in rebounding and imposing a physical presence under the basket. Trieste’s success on the boards (averaging 35.6 rebounds per game) has been instrumental in their victories, and they will look to dominate this area against Sassari. The defensive trio of Gaines, Marko Simonovic, and John Egbunu will need to be at their best to contain Sassari’s potent attack.
Sassari: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Sassari has been one of the most dynamic teams in the Serie A this season, and they enter this matchup on the back of a four-game winning streak. Their offensive firepower, particularly their three-point shooting, has been central to their success. Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco has instilled a high-tempo, fast-paced style, with a strong emphasis on transition play. Sassari leads the league in points per game with 90.2, and their three-point percentage of 37% makes them one of the most dangerous shooting teams in the competition.
At the heart of Sassari’s offensive juggernaut is their star point guard, Stefano Gentile, whose court vision and scoring ability make him a dual threat. Gentile is a skilled passer who can orchestrate the offense while also contributing heavily as a scorer, averaging 16.8 points per game. Alongside him, big man Dwayne Bacon has been sensational, providing the team with versatility as he can stretch the floor and create mismatches. Bacon's ability to score inside and out, combined with his strong rebounding (8.1 boards per game), gives Sassari a massive advantage in terms of spacing and pace.
Sassari has been prone to lapses defensively, however, allowing 84 points per game, and this is where Trieste might have a slight advantage. While Sassari has the firepower, their inability to consistently lock down on defense could be their undoing in tight matches. Injuries have not significantly impacted the squad, but the absence of backup center Artemi Yacoubou due to a minor ankle sprain has slightly reduced their depth in the frontcourt. Still, their bench, led by shooter Marco Spissu, has been deep enough to mitigate this.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In the last five meetings between these two sides, Sassari has been the dominant force, winning four times and only dropping one game. Most notably, their high-scoring wins have often seen them exploit Trieste's defensive lapses in transition. The most recent encounter in October 2025 ended in a 94-87 victory for Sassari, where their fast-break offense overwhelmed Trieste, who struggled to cope with the pace of the game. However, Trieste has been resilient in their home games, so this upcoming matchup will be an important test of their ability to handle a fast-paced and free-flowing Sassari attack.
Historically, Trieste has been competitive at home, making Palasport Mario Cioni a tough place for visitors to win. Their robust defensive system has often been enough to contain Sassari’s offensive onslaughts. However, Sassari's ability to create open shots and stretch the floor could prove to be the deciding factor once again.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
1. Derrick Marks vs. Stefano Gentile: This battle will be critical in determining which team controls the tempo of the game. Marks, Trieste’s top scorer, is the player who will have to produce against the pesky defense of Gentile. Gentile’s playmaking will be essential for Sassari, but his ability to limit Marks' scoring will likely be a key to victory for the away team.
2. Rebounding Battle - Frank Gaines vs. Dwayne Bacon: Both teams rely on solid rebounding to kick-start their fast breaks and establish a strong presence in the paint. Gaines and Bacon will be key in limiting the second-chance opportunities of their opponents. The ability to secure offensive rebounds could decide the pace of the game, and who can get out in transition most effectively.
3. Sassari’s Three-Point Shooting vs. Trieste’s Defensive Scheme: Trieste’s defense has been built on limiting high-scoring teams, but they have often struggled against sharp-shooting opponents. If Sassari can get their perimeter shooters going, it could break down Trieste’s defensive shell, allowing them to dominate offensively.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This matchup will likely see Sassari dictating the tempo early, pushing the pace in transition and using their three-point shooting to spread the floor. Trieste will look to slow the game down, working the ball in the half-court and relying on their defense to stifle Sassari’s offensive rhythm. A key factor will be whether Trieste can prevent Sassari from getting out in transition, where they thrive the most.
Expect a game that features fast breaks, three-point shooting battles, and tough physical play in the paint. Trieste's defensive discipline will be tested severely, but if they can limit Sassari's outside shooting and force them into half-court possessions, they will have a chance to control the game.
With home-court advantage and a more balanced team structure, Trieste may just edge out a narrow victory in a high-scoring affair. The final score could well be 87-83 in favor of Trieste, with the key differences being in the rebounding battle and how each team manages turnovers.
Final Thoughts
This clash between Trieste and Sassari is set to be an intense and high-stakes game, with both teams fighting for supremacy in the Serie A standings. The tactical battle between Trieste's defense and Sassari's explosive offense will be fascinating, and it’s clear that the team who can impose their style will come out on top. Will Sassari continue their offensive juggernaut, or will Trieste’s defense prove too much for them to overcome? This game will answer a crucial question: who will prevail when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?
