BAXI Manresa wins the Catalan League in an exciting final against Joventut
Diego Ocampo's team dominated for most of the match and held firm in the final stretch against the Badalona team. Hugo Benitez was named the final's most valuable player.
83 BAXI Manresa I Dani Pérez 6, Obasohan 5, Reyes 9, Knudsen 10, and Akobundu-Ehiogu 5; Benitez 14, Gaspà 1, Ubal 14, Steinbergs 8, Golden 7, Izaw-Bolavie 2, and Plummer 2
79 Joventut Badalona I Hakanson 9, Hunt 15, Hanga 5, Dekker 2, and Birgander 14; Drell 3, Kraag 3, Rubio 13, Vives 2, Allen, and Tomic 13
Partials: 26-19, 14-16, 25-21, 18-23
BAXI Manresa won their fourth Lliga Catalana title after defeating Joventut Badalona in a match that came down to the final minutes (83-79). Hugo Benitez was chosen as the final's most valuable player.
Diego Ocampo's players came onto the court more engaged than their opponents, allowing them to dominate the scoreboard from the start. The Manresa team played a highly organized game and took a seven-point lead at the end of the first quarter (26-19).
In the second period, the match became more evenly matched, favoring the Reds, who were able to resist the opponent's attacks and remained ahead throughout. At halftime, the Bages side held a five-point lead (40-35).
After the break, the game was frantic, and the Badalona team tied the score twice. However, Ocampo's men fought back and put together a 14-3 run that allowed them to close out the third quarter with a nine-point lead (65-56).
In the final ten minutes, the Manresa team had the game more or less under control, and with two minutes left, they were leading by nine points (78-69). Hunt then led the Green and Blacks, who refused to give up and had a three-pointer to force overtime. Dekker missed, and Dani Pérez sealed the victory with a free throw.