BAXI Manresa falls in Tenerife, leaving behind good moments
Diego Ocampo's men battled until the final quarter on a tough court against a team that ultimately won 104-93. Benitez and Golden led the way for the Bages team.
104 La Laguna Tenerife I Huertas 20, Fitipaldo 11, Giedraitis 14, Doornekamp 4 and Shermadini 28; Kostadinov, Fernández 18, Scrubb 2, Costa, Sastre, Abromaitis 5 and Guerra 2
93 BAXI Manresa I Dani Pérez 2, Obasohan 7, Reyes 3, Olinde 8 and Golden 18; Akobundu-Ehiogu 10, Benitez 13, Gaspà 8, Ubal 5, Steinbergs 3, Izaw-Bolavie and Plummer 16
Partials: 23-23, 27-17, 28-19, 28-34
BAXI Manresa could not start the Endesa League with victory, since they fell on the complicated court of La Laguna Tenerife (104-93).
Diego Ocampo's players had a great start, with an initial 2-7 run. From there, the islanders reacted, forced fouls, and turned the score around (18-14). The visitors then tied the game again at the end of the first quarter (23-23).
In the second period, Bages' team again got off to a better start, but were unable to open a gap. From then on, the score remained very even until the final three minutes of the first half, when Txus Vidorreta's team posted an 8-0 run before halftime (48-40).
Coming out of the locker room, the Manresa team managed to get within two points (52-50), but then the Canary Islands' three-point success arrived, scoring eleven consecutive points and closing out the third quarter with a very solid duel (76-59).
In the final ten minutes, the visitors refused to give up and fought to get back into the game (81-74). However, Tenerife's success from outside and the quality of their key players allowed them to seal the match.
On Wednesday at 8:45 PM, BAXI Manresa will make their debut at the Nou Congost in the second round of the Eurocup against Polish side Slask Wroclaw.