Badalona keeps the flame alive on a night of maximum tension
Asisa Joventut forces the third game against a Kosner Baskonia that is hard to lose
BadalonaBadalona has no intention of giving up. Asisa Joventut defeated Kosner Baskonia (82-63) and earned the right to fight for a ticket to the semifinals in Vitoria on Sunday. La Penya played with energy and determination against an opponent hampered by poor shooting percentages. Cameron Hunt, who scored 27 points with six three-pointers, led the green-and-black triumph. "We played one of our best games at home," said Dani Miret.
La Penya's opening was brilliant. The green-and-black team played with energy, allowing them to defend Baskonia's attacks with intensity and attack the opponent's basket aggressively. Encouraged by a fanbase eager to extend the season, the Badalona team built a 22-point lead (44-22). The only bad news of the first half was the low percentages from the three-point line. The opponent's final reaction, closing the second quarter with a 0-9 run, prevented the game from being decided at halftime (44-31).
Paolo Galbiati tactically tried to rescue his team by alternating individual defense with a zonal proposal. The strategy served to alter the rhythm of the game and lower the scoring, but the green-and-black team did not lose their accuracy. Baskonia's problem continued to be their offensive production. The Basque team could only score 12 points during the third period (62-43).
Kosner Baskonia sought a comeback, but ran into a very inspired Cameron Hunt. A very ugly personal foul by Rodions Kurucs on Guillem Vives heated up the atmosphere four and a half minutes from the end. La Penya, however, did not get entangled by an opponent with a bad attitude.
Valencia Basket, qualified
Valencia Basket defeated Surne Bilbao (71-88) and sealed their qualification to play in the semifinals. Barça will seek a second victory this Saturday (9 p.m., Esport3 and DAZN) against UCAM Murcia, who will not be able to count on David DeJulius. The point guard suffered a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and will have to undergo surgery. In addition, Real Madrid hosts La Laguna Tenerife (6 p.m., DAZN).