BAXI Manresa prevails, with character, over Hiopos Lleida
Diego Ocampo's team defeats Hiopos Lleida 99-86 with an impeccable Congost. Benitez and Reyes, the most outstanding players for the locals.
99 BAXI Manresa I Benitez 22, Obasohan 14, Reyes 24, Steinbergs 3 and Golden 4; Akobundu-Ehiogu 6, Ubal 8, Olinde 4, Dani Pérez 3 and Plummer 11
86 Hiopos Lleida I Agada 13, Batemon 12, Sanz, Ejim 4 and Diagne 18; Walden 10, Paulí 7, Zoriks 2, Golomán 8, Jiménez 2, Shurna 6, and Krutwig 4
Partials: 27-27, 17-23, 29-22, 26-14
BAXI Manresa secured their third victory of the season in the Liga Endesa after defeating Hiopos Lleida at Nou Congost in a Catalan derby that was decided in the final stretch (99-86).
The players coached by Diego Ocampo got off to a strong start and built a seven-point lead (16-9), but the visitors responded by scoring eight consecutive points. From then on, the game remained close until the end of the first quarter, which finished tied at 27.
In the second quarter, the home team took a five-point lead (38-33). However, Gerard Encuentra's men, led by Diagne, dominated the final moments of the first half and went into halftime with a six-point lead (44-50).
Returning from the locker room, Manresa turned the game around with an 8-0 run. From then on, the home team controlled the game, although the margins remained small. At the end of the third quarter, Manresa held a slim lead (73-72).
In the final ten minutes, the home team came out strong and went on an initial 11-2 run (84-74). From then on, Ocampo's players didn't allow Lleida to get close, and a three-pointer by Reyes sealed their third victory in the Liga Endesa.
On Wednesday at 8:00 PM, BAXI Manresa will visit the Italian team Umana Reyer Venice.