Schio Survive In Thriller Against Tarbes

Raffaella Masciadri sparked Beretta-Famila in the comeback win over Tarbes

Beretta Famila Schio scraped a narrow win in Italy over Tarbes on Wednesday night to cap a season of frustration for the French club.

Looking for their first victory, Tarbes almost won against CCC Polkowice last week but fell in overtime.

At Schio, they lost 68-66 after caving in during a stretch that began late in the third quarter and finished early in the fourth.

With 3:59 to play in the third period, Tarbes had a 51-37 lead and Schio appeared to be in trouble.

The Italians began to battle back, with Raffaella Masciadri finishing a 6-0 spurt for Schio that left them trailing 51-43 going to the last frame.

Alexandra Montgomery was then called for an unsportsmanlike foul on Liron Cohen, and the Israeli point guard made both free-throws.

Schio kept possession and Janel McCarville drilled a jump shot to close the gap to 61-47 with 9:09 to play.

A Masciadri three-ball ended up tying the game at 51-51 and she then capped the run with a jumper to make it 53-51 in favor of Schio.

Veteran center Jenifer Nadalin put the Italians in front to stay with a jump shot to make it 57-55 with 4:17 to go.

Tarbes twice pulled to within one point in the last 2:16 but Beretta Famila kept their noses in front and claimed a two-point triumph.

Schio ended up with a 6-6 record and finished fourth in Group B while Tarbes walked off the court with their 12th loss.

Masciadri had a game-high 22 points in the victory.

Quotes Beretta-Famila vs. Tarbes GB

Beretta Schio player Raffaella Masciadri
"We worked hard in these days to make us ready for this match. It was not important for the ranking but it was necessary for us to play a good game against a tough opponent. We still have too many turnovers but we are doing better match after match. Actually we don't know who we are gonna play next game, but I'm sure we'll play to win aganist everybody."

Beretta Schio Assistant Coach Giustino Altobelli
"A good game tonight: we really wanted to close this round with a win for us and our fans. There was a reaction from our team in the third quarter, after that Tarbes pushed in the first half. I'm satisfied for that but we'll work to play hard for all 40 minutes."

Tarbes Coach Marie-Pierre Taupin
"We came here to Schio and we knew that we will play aganist a very good team. We missed some players that should be important but I appreciate all my players beacuase they played hard until the end of the game."

Tarbes player Naura Al Gargati
"We did our best aganist a great team as Schio. No win for us in this Euroleague and this makes us sad but now we need to keep focussed for the other target in this season. Congratulations to Schio, I hope they can go far in this euro competion."