Exciting end to the second pre-season test
A basket from midfield gives BAXI Manresa the victory by 81-78 in a final comeback against Hiopos Lleida.
81 BAXI Manresa I Benitez 11, Gaspá 3, Reyes 13, Chassang 8 and Akobundu-Ehiogu 9; Ubal 11, Knudsen 5, Golden 6, Bergseng 2, Fernández 9, Izaw-Bolavie 4, Dani Pérez and Plummer
78 Hiopos Lleida I Agada 15, Sanz 13, Paulí 2, Shurna 5 and Diagne 2; Batemon 12, Ejim 6, Jiménez 6, Krutwig 8, Llorente 3, Garcia 4 and Dabo 2
Scores: 18-27, 17-18, 23-17, 23-16
BAXI Manresa achieved its first win of the preseason after defeating Hiopos Lleida in a match played in Sant Julià de Vilatorta (81-78). A three-pointer by Gerard Fernández from beyond the midfield proved decisive.
The players coached by Diego Ocampo scored the first eight points of the match. The Lleida team reacted immediately, posting a 0-12 run to take the lead. Encuentra's men obtained a maximum lead of twelve points, which Bages reduced again at the end of the first quarter (18-27).
In the second quarter, the game was more evenly matched, which favored Lleida, who were able to maintain a comfortable lead. At halftime, the Lleida side led by ten points (35-45).
Coming out of the locker room, the Manresa side made a good start and were just one point behind their opponent (49-50). However, they were unable to turn the score around at any point and ended the third quarter with a four-point deficit (58-62).
In the final ten minutes, it seemed that Lleida was running away and had the game under control, but Ocampo's team hadn't had their last word and turned the score around (78-77). Encuentra's team scored a free throw, and just when it seemed the game would go into overtime, Gerard Fernández gave his team the victory with a three-pointer from beyond the center of the court.
On Saturday, starting at 7:00 p.m., BAXI Manresa will play against the Italian Trapani Shark in Sant Andreu de Llavaneres.