by Rick Manahan
The third day of action at the 1st Annual Bridge of Hoops Basketball Invitational in Bassano Del Grappa, Italy, delivered another thrilling slate of international basketball at the Pala Angarano. With four games on the schedule, the day was packed with energy, teamwork, and standout performances from some of the top prep and international programs in the world.
Game 1: Academy of Central Florida 87 – The Star Alliance (Italy) 61
Day 3 opened with the Academy of Central Florida facing off against the host team, The Star Alliance, in front of a lively Italian crowd. The boys from Florida came ready to play, combining speed, hustle, and intensity on both ends of the court.
Dominique Fisher led the way with 17 points, while Martay Barnes added 16, as four players reached double figures for the Sunshine State squad. Central Florida’s defensive rotations and transition play were key in the 87–61 victory.
The team improves to 2–1 on the week and will take on Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania) tomorrow at 4:45 p.m. in what’s expected to be one of the most exciting matchups of the tournament.
Game 2: BC Dubai 94 – DNA Prep (USA) 75
In the day’s second contest, BC Dubai once again showcased their balanced offense and strong interior play, earning a 94–75 win over DNA Prep Academy from Los Angeles.
Dubai’s Luka Malovic was nearly unstoppable, finishing with 25 points and 9 rebounds, while Tomislav Vuckovic added 22 points. For DNA Prep, Justin Kayode led the scoring with 20 points, but Dubai’s depth proved too much down the stretch.
DNA Prep Academy will play The Star Alliance in tomorrow’s opener before returning home to begin their Grind Session National Schedule in the United States.
Game 3: Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA) 79 – Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania) 69
Southeastern Prep Academy (SEPA) from Georgia took control early and never looked back in their 79–69 win over Zalgiris Kaunas. SEPA held a steady lead for most of the game, though Zalgiris showed impressive fight, cutting the deficit to just three points late in the second half before SEPA pulled away.
CJ Roser Jr. turned in a dominant performance with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Beckham Black chipped in 17 points. For Zalgiris, Ignas Stombergas led a balanced scoring effort with 17 points and 9 boards, as four Lithuanian players finished in double figures.
SEPA will close out their tournament against Armani Milano tomorrow at 12:15 p.m., while Zalgiris faces Academy of Central Florida later in the afternoon.
Game 4: Prolific Prep (USA) 80 – Olimpia Milano (Italy) 78
The nightcap was a thriller, as the three-time defending Grind Session champions, Prolific Prep, battled Olimpia Milano in a hard-fought contest that went down to the wire.
The Crew from Florida, led by head coach Ryan Bernardi, were pushed to their limits by a tough and disciplined Italian squad. In the end, Prolific Prep held on for an 80–78 victory, showcasing their trademark poise under pressure.
Bruce Branch III delivered a monster performance with 23 points and 11 rebounds—10 of them on the defensive glass—along with 4 assists and 4 steals, leading his team to another statement win.
For Milano, Samuele Miccoli paced the offense with 21 points, while Mattia Ceccato and Werther Bellinaso added 18 and 11, respectively. Despite the loss, the Italians earned respect for their toughness and execution against one of the top prep teams in the United States.
Prolific Prep now returns to the U.S. to prepare for the upcoming Grind Session National Season, while Olimpia Milano will take on SEPA tomorrow at 12:15 p.m. to wrap up their tournament run.
Up Next: The Final Day in Bassano Del Grappa
Tomorrow marks the conclusion of the inaugural Bridge of Hoops Invitational. The event has brought together elite talent from across the globe, creating not only high-level basketball but also international connections that embody the spirit of the Grind Session—“Where the World’s Best Compete.”
