Barça rescues two players from the bonfire: the ARA Instant Replay
The Blaugrana team defeats Surne Bilbao and extends Xavi Pascual's winning streak
BarcelonaBarça dispatched a determined Surne Bilbao (66-71) and extended Xavi Pascual's unbeaten run in the Liga Endesa. The Blaugrana ended the Basque team's record of not losing a single home game. The Catalan side, missing Jan Vesely, Will Clyburn, Toko Shengelia, and Juan Núñez, overcame a nine-point deficit. The performances of Tomás Satoransky and Willy Hernangómez, two players who had recently been the target of much criticism from fans, were crucial in thwarting Jaume Ponsarnau's game plan.
Fontajau, a lucky charm for Baloncesto Girona
Bàsquet Girona won the Catalan derby against Hiopos Lleida (103-86). The Girona team, which racked up 54 points in a blistering first half, controlled the game. The home team's 18 offensive rebounds proved decisive at Fontajau. "The key to the game was our effort and accuracy in the opening minutes," analyzed Moncho Fernández. "We were a split second late on many plays that stem from desire. When you're in a negative spiral, you get frustrated and get stuck in a cycle," lamented Gerard Encuentra, who experimented with different defensive strategies.
The Peña entrusts itself to the grandson of Mister Basketball
Joventut didn't miss Ricky Rubio, who was sidelined with a muscle injury, and defeated Río Breogán (83-75). Ludde Hakanson was key with 12 points and 9 assists. The Penya point guard is a protégé of Egon Hakanson, known as Mister Basketball and considered one of the best players in Swedish basketball history. "Ludde was the best player of the game. He showed vision and made us play against a team that defends perimeter players very well," explained Dani Miret. Sam Dekker returned to action after missing seven games.
Best performance at the worst time
Baxi Manresa secured their fifth victory of the season in the Liga Endesa after defeating Casademont Zaragoza in a game decided in the final quarter (83-95). After a very defensive start, the Manresa team pulled away, scoring 33 points in 10 minutes. Pierre Oriola led the way with 21 points. "We went through a period of poor concentration, but we reacted when it mattered most. We improved our defense, and that gave us confidence on offense," analyzed Diego Ocampo.
