Defeat of BAXI Manresa in a high-scoring duel in Valencia
Diego Ocampo's men had a spectacular first half but were condemned by a poor performance at the start of the second half. Reyes, Steinbergs, Hunt and Dani Pérez were the most outstanding players for the Bages team.
112 Valencia Basket I Jones 14, López-Arostegui 4, Ojeleye 8, Sestina 6 and Brimah 5; Puerto 8, Reuvers 7, Pradilla 15, De Larrea 7, Montero 9, Jovic 8 and Costello 21
96 BAXI Manresa I Dani Pérez 15, Hunt 12, Sagnia 2, Alston Jr. 12 and Massa 2; Vescovi 6, Reyes 14, Steinbergs 17, Saint-Supéry 3, Obasohan 7, Sorolla and Cate 6
Partials: 28-23, 26-29, 33-22, 25-22
BAXI Manresa was unable to start the second round of the Endesa League with a new victory, as it fell on one of the most difficult courts in the top national competition, that of a Valencia Basket that dominated most of the duel (112-96).
The players led by Pedro Martínez made a good start and dominated the vast majority of the first quarter thanks to Costello's leadership. The orange team obtained a maximum difference of nine points, which the visitors reduced to just five at the end of the first period (28-23).
In the second, the attacks clearly prevailed over the defenses. After a few moments with changes in the scoreboard, the Manresans scored a partial of 0-7 that forced the local coach to stop the game (42-49). Immediately after, the Valencians came back and reached the break two points ahead on the scoreboard. (54-52).
Coming back from the changing rooms, the orange team came out strong again and scored ten consecutive points. This allowed them to open up a gap and take a maximum lead of twenty points (77-57), which the Bages team cut to just thirteen with a three-pointer (87-74).
In the last ten minutes the visitors did not give up and got within just ten points on several occasions, but they had a great rival in front of them who did not let them get into the game and secured another home win in the Endesa League.
On Tuesday at 20:45 BAXI Manresa begins the second phase of the Basketball Champions League at the Nou Congost against Turkish side Aliaga Petkimspor.