Catalonia is left with honey on its lips

ManresaThe Catalan team has been left with honey on its lips against Great Britain (74-76), a much more seasoned opponent that is preparing to play the World Cup qualifying matches. Lluís Costa missed the final three-pointer that would have given victory to the team coached by Jaume Ponsarnau, who had a very complete game at the Nou Congost.

The great Catalan basketball festival brought together an audience of 2,513 spectators. Gerard Fernández, with 10 points and 16 valuation, Pep Busquets, architect of 12 points and 15 valuation, and Jaume Lobo, top scorer with 14 points, were the most outstanding Catalan players. The public also enjoyed the spectacular actions of Lluís Costa or the fight of Isaac Nogués, who has just been proclaimed champion of the Liga Endesa with Valencia Basket. ACB Gabriel Olaseni (11 points) was the star of a visiting team in which Myles Hesson also stood out, with 13 valuation.

"The fact that this game could be played is already a great victory. We have to value the players' effort at a difficult time of the season. They have shown great commitment and have competed in a very encouraging way," analyzed Ponsarnau. The coach had the absences of Rafa Villar, injured, Oriol Paulí, Ferran Bassas, Pierre Oriola, Joel Parra and Pierre Oriola. "We tried to play, but it wasn't possible," admitted the power forward. "The game was very special. We couldn't get the win, but I think we offered a good show to the people who came to Nou Congost and we played with the hallmark that characterizes Catalan basketball," opined Guillem Vives, the captain of the Catalan team.