A competitive BAXI Manresa team ultimately loses due to small details.
Nou Congost narrowly missed out on victory despite Manresa's valiant effort against one of the league leaders, a team with a depleted squad. Ubal and Reyes were the standout players.
86 BAXI Manresa I Benitez 7, Brooks 7, Reyes 19, Knudsen 5 and Oriola 6; Akobundu-Ehiogu 6, Bassas, Ubal 14, Steinbergs 7, Paulicap 4 and Obasohan 11
90 UCAM Murcia I DeJulius 35, Radebaugh 20, Falk 2, Nakic and Cacok 4; Forrest 13, Sant-Roos 5, Cate 4, López, Diagné 2, Martin 3 and Ennis 2
Quarter Scores: 15-18, 22-18, 31-32, 18-22
BAXI Manresa was unable to secure a victory against UCAM Murcia at Nou Congost (86-90), in a game where they trailed for the vast majority of the time.
After a few unsuccessful attacks from both teams, Sito Alonso's squad took control of the game and opened up a 4-13 run. The home team responded, closing the gap to just three points by the end of the first quarter (15-18).
In the second quarter, Murcia continued to dominate, building an eight-point lead (24-32). However, Diego Ocampo's men raised their game and managed to go into halftime with a narrow lead (37-36).
Coming out of the locker room, the visitors started strong, taking a seven-point lead (41-48). The home team then scored ten consecutive points to take the lead (51-48). The third quarter ended in a 68-68 tie thanks to a buzzer-beating basket by Martin.
In the final ten minutes, UCAM Murcia got off to another strong start, taking an eight-point lead (68-76). But Manresa refused to give up and tied the game again (79-79). In the closing possessions, Sito Alonso's men found their rhythm and secured the victory at Nou Congost.
On Saturday at 6:00 PM, BAXI Manresa will visit the challenging Río Breogán arena.