Preview: Udine Faces Daunting Task at Surging Trapani

TRAPANI, Italy (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Sunday when the struggling Udine (3-7) visits the league-leading Trapani (12-3) in a Lega Basket Serie A matchup at Palasport Comunale Palailio.

Trapani enters riding a five-game winning streak, including impressive road victories at Treviso and, most recently, an 83-80 triumph at Tenerife on Wednesday. Guard J.D. Notae has been instrumental, pouring in 24 points in that victory. Over his last three games, Notae is averaging 14.3 points, showcasing his scoring punch for a deep Trapani squad that also features consistent contributors like Jordan Ford and Matthew Hurt.

Udine, sitting near the bottom of the standings, is coming off just its third win of the season, a 78-71 home decision against Cuore Napoli on Dec. 7. That victory snapped a three-game skid. The team will lean heavily on guard Semaj Christon, who erupted for 27 points and five assists in the win over Napoli. Forward Eimantas Bendzius (18 points) and center Skylar Spencer (14 rebounds) also provided crucial support.

The head-to-head history offers little guidance, as the teams last met on Dec. 13, 2025, a game for which a result was not provided in available information.

The matchup presents a classic challenge of momentum versus desperation. Trapani, with the league’s best record, will look to protect its home court and continue its dominant form. Udine, seeking to build on its rare win, will need another standout performance from Christon and significant defensive resolve to slow down Trapani’s balanced attack.

For Trapani, the game is the start of a busy stretch, with a road game at Tofas scheduled for Tuesday. Udine’s next contest is at home against Treviso on Dec. 20.