VALDARNO, Italy (Interstat) — A pivotal Italy A2 women’s basketball playoff positioning clash is set for Saturday when Valdarno hosts Ragusa in the regular season finale for both teams.

The matchup carries significant weight, with Valdarno (17-9) looking to solidify its standing near the top of the table, while Ragusa (14-11) aims to finish its campaign on a high note and potentially improve its postseason seeding. The teams have split their two most recent meetings in a home-and-home series over the past week, setting the stage for a decisive rubber match.

Valdarno edged Ragusa 74-73 at home on April 11, but Ragusa responded with a 65-58 victory on its home floor this past Wednesday. The season series is tied 1-1.

A key battle will feature Ragusa’s dominant forward, Precious Johnson, against Valdarno’s versatile guard, Flavia De Cassan. Johnson has been on a tear, averaging 20.4 points and 10.0 rebounds over her last five games. She posted 23 points and 15 rebounds in the narrow loss here on April 11 and followed with 15 points and six rebounds in Wednesday’s win.

De Cassan, however, is coming off her best performance of the series, scoring 19 points with five rebounds and five assists in the midweek loss. Her playmaking will be crucial for a Valdarno offense that seeks more consistency after being held to 58 points in its last outing.

Valdarno holds the superior record and home-court advantage, where it won the first meeting between the clubs this month. Ragusa, however, has shown resilience, winning three of its last five and demonstrating it can defeat Valdarno, as proven Wednesday.

Other contributors will be vital. For Ragusa, Federica Mazza (12 points on Wednesday) provides backcourt scoring. Valdarno will rely on forwards Ilaria Bernardi and Evelyn Ovner, who combined for 23 points and 11 rebounds in the last game.

Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday evening at Palasport Valdarno. The result will finalize the playoff picture for the Italy A2 women’s league.