AP Sports Preview

MILANO (Interstat) — Sanga Milano, boasting a 22-3 record across all competitions, hosts Faenza (18-8) on Saturday in an Italy A1 women’s professional basketball matchup at Milano. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. local time.

Sanga Milano enters the contest on a five-game winning streak, most recently defeating Vicenza 62-59 on April 15. Guard Susanna Toffali has been the catalyst, averaging 22 points over her last three games. She scored 28 points in the win over Vicenza, followed by 20 points in a 72-43 victory against the same opponent on April 11, and 18 points in a 67-50 win over Giussano on March 28. Toffali is expected to lead Sanga Milano’s up-tempo attack.

Faenza counters with a balanced roster, winning its last four games. The streak includes a 59-55 victory at Torino Teen on April 18, where guard Martina Guzzoni logged 35 minutes with eight points, five rebounds and one block. Guzzoni, a key perimeter defender, has contributed consistently: 12 points and six rebounds in a 67-51 win over Torino Teen on April 14, 12 points in a 66-53 victory at Matelica on April 3, and five points with six rebounds in an 87-77 win over Ragusa on March 28.

Faenza’s depth was on display against Torino Teen, where Lilli Onnela posted 12 points and nine rebounds, and Marianna Zanetti added 10 points and six rebounds.

Sanga Milano’s strong home-court advantage looms large. Its only three losses came against Masnaga (84-65 on Feb. 28), Jolly Livorno (64-61 on Jan. 31) and an earlier road result. Faenza, meanwhile, has split its last 10 games, including a narrow 64-63 win at Basket Alcamo on March 25 and a 79-84 loss at Alpo on March 21.

The teams are scheduled to meet again Wednesday, April 29, in Faenza.

Key Players to Watch:

Faenza: G Martina Guzzoni – 12.5 points per game over last four outings. Sanga Milano: G Susanna Toffali – 28 points in most recent game, 22-point average over last three.