Historic comeback and leaders in the BCL

100 BAXI Manresa I Dani Pérez 7, Obasohan 25, Sagnia 5, Alston Jr. 16 and Massa 4; Vescovi, Reyes 14, Steinbergs 9, Hustak, Saint-Supéry 16 and Cate 4

82 Bertram Derthona Basket I Kuhse 11, Baldasso 4, Strautins 21, Severini 3 and Kamagate 4; Zerini 1, Candi 5, Denegri 9, Biligha 8 and Weems 16

Partials: 28-15, 22-20, 26-27, 24-20

BAXI Manresa got a double reward in the visit of Bertram Derthona Basket to Nou Congost. The first was the victory, in a game in which the Bages team dominated from the beginning. And the second was the lead in Group G, achieved thanks to a final basket by Steinbergs (100-82).

Now the team is spared from playing a play-in and goes straight to the 'Round of 16' where an old acquaintance awaits, La Laguna Tenerife, as well as two winners of the qualifying rounds in which the Turkish Petkimspor and the German Bonn will have the home court advantage.

The team led by Diego Ocampo came out strong and nailed an initial partial of 11-3, which forced the Italian coach to stop the game. Immediately after, a very successful Reds from the triple were able to extend their lead to thirteen points at the end of the first quarter (28-15).

The second period was more even, which made the locals maintain a comfortable lead on the scoreboard. In fact, they were able to get eighteen points ahead before Denegri closed the first half with a triple (50-35).

In the second half the tone did not change too much. The team from Manresa continued to dominate clearly on the scoreboard, but the fight for first place in the group was still very close. At the end of the third quarter, Derthona maintained the temporary lead (76-62).

In the last ten minutes, the team from Bages had some problems, and the first position seemed far away with a partial of 0-7 against (88-78). However, Obasohan led the team with a two plus one and an assist to Steinbergs that drove Nou Congost crazy, since Kuhse's final desperate triple did not go in.

On Sunday from 17:00, BAXI Manresa will visit the complicated court of Surne Bilbao Basket of Jaume Ponsarnau and Melwin Pantzar.