BAXI Manresa misses the final toss-up in Andorra
A very exciting match at the Toni Martí Pavilion ended in a final defeat. The players thanked the visiting fans for their support.
83 MoraBanc Andorra I Evans 16, Goudou-Sinha 2, Ortega 6, Doumbouya 7 and Lammers 2; Luz 4, Okoye 9, Bassas 5, Dos Anjos 9, Kuric 5 and Chougkaz 18
81 BAXI Manresa I Saint-Supéry 20, Hunt 14, Sagnia 1, Steinbergs 2 and Massa 2; Vescovi 7, Jou, Reyes 5, Alston Jr. 15, Sorolla, Dani Pérez 4, and Cate 11
Partials: 20-27, 23-15, 19-15, 21-24
BAXI Manresa was unable to secure victory on the MoraBanc Andorra court in a very close finale, which was resolved with a last-second basket by Chougkaz (83-81).
The players coached by Diego Ocampo came out strong and posted an initial 2-11 run. From then on, the Reds continued to dominate clearly and closed the first quarter with a seven-point lead (20-27).
The second period saw a very different tone: the home team reacted and took the lead (33-32). From then on, the score remained very even until halftime, when Joan Plaza's men reached a one-point lead (43-42).
Coming out of the locker room, the Andorrans scored seven consecutive points and opened up a ten-point lead (54-44). However, the visitors quickly responded with a 0-9 run. At the end of the third quarter, the home side had a five-point lead (62-57).
In the final ten minutes, Andorra regained a ten-point lead (71-61), but the match ended in a close contest. Just when it seemed the home side had settled, Evans missed four consecutive free throws, and Alston Jr. tied the score at 81, also from the line. Then, a last-second basket by Chougkaz gave his team the victory.
On Friday, at a time yet to be confirmed, BAXI Manresa will close out the Endesa League at the Nou Congost against La Laguna Tenerife.