On May 3, 2025, Casademont Zaragoza faced off against Baskonia in a thrilling encounter at the Fernando Buesa Arena, ultimately falling short with a final score of 90-84. This match marked a significant moment for Zaragoza, as it was the debut of Rodrigo San Miguel as head coach, following a tumultuous week that included the departure of former coach Fisac and a much-needed victory against Leyma Coruña just days prior.
The game began with a quick offensive display from both teams. Baskonia, aware of the stakes involved in the playoff race, quickly established an early lead, scoring 18 points in the first quarter. However, Zaragoza responded well, showcasing a more competitive spirit compared to their previous outings. By the end of the first quarter, Zaragoza managed to edge ahead with a score of 22-23, thanks to a late surge that included a triple from Watson.
Despite their promising start, Zaragoza struggled to maintain their momentum in the second quarter. Baskonia capitalized on defensive lapses from the visitors, leading to a halftime score of 44-42 in favor of the home team. The standout performance for Baskonia came from Samanic, who scored 20 points and recorded a valuation of 27, proving to be a key player throughout the match.
The third quarter began with Baskonia coming out strong, executing a 6-0 run that put Zaragoza on the back foot. However, the visitors rallied, with Trae Bell-Haynes and Tomas Dimsa leading the charge, hitting crucial three-pointers that kept Zaragoza in the game. Dimsa, in particular, had an impressive outing, scoring 19 points with a shooting clip of 5/9 from beyond the arc.
As the game progressed into the final quarter, the intensity ramped up significantly. With both teams trading baskets, the atmosphere in the arena became electric. Zaragoza, led by Bell-Haynes, who scored six consecutive points, managed to pull within three points of Baskonia. Despite their efforts, the team faced a setback when Spissu was forced to leave the game due to back issues, which required San Miguel to adjust his lineup, including playing Slaughter at the point guard position.
With just 44 seconds remaining, Dubljevic hit a critical three-pointer that narrowed the gap to just three points, making the score 90-87. However, Baskonia's Forrest responded with two free throws, extending the lead back to five points. In a final bid to close the gap, Dimsa hit another three-pointer, bringing Zaragoza within two points at 90-88. Ultimately, the clock ran out on Zaragoza's comeback attempt, and they fell to Baskonia, 90-84.
This match was not just a test of skill, but also a reflection of Zaragoza's resilience. After a string of five consecutive losses, the team showed signs of life and competitiveness, a positive takeaway for new coach Rodrigo San Miguel. "We fought hard until the end, and despite the loss, I believe we can build on this performance," said San Miguel in the post-game press conference.
As for Baskonia, this victory marked their 16th win of the season, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Coach Pablo Laso acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, "We didn’t play our best game, but we found a way to win when it mattered most." The win puts Baskonia in a favorable position as they look ahead to their upcoming matches against Joventut, Barcelona, and Bilbao Basket in the next few weeks.
In conclusion, while the result may not have been what Zaragoza hoped for, the fight they displayed against a playoff-contending team like Baskonia indicates that they are on the right path. The focus now shifts to their next game as they aim to continue improving under their new leadership.
