The Baxi Ferrol women's basketball team faced a heartbreaking defeat in the Eurocup final, falling to Villeneuve d’Ascq with a score of 84-70 on April 2, 2025. This match, held at the Palacium in France, marked a historic moment for the Ferrol team, as it was their first appearance in a continental final. Despite the loss, the team showcased an impressive performance throughout the tournament, earning respect and admiration from fans and opponents alike.
Entering the game, Baxi Ferrol was at a disadvantage, trailing by three points after the first leg played in Ferrol. Villeneuve d’Ascq quickly established their dominance, jumping to a 7-0 lead within the first three minutes. The Ferrolanas struggled to find their rhythm, missing several shots, which prompted coach Lino López to call an early timeout to regroup his players.
Moira Joiner finally broke the scoring drought for Baxi Ferrol with a three-pointer, but Villeneuve’s Shavonte Zellous responded with two quick triples, extending the lead to 13-3. López’s timeout seemed to have a positive effect as Blanca Millán and Joiner each hit three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 13-9 by the five-minute mark.
However, Villeneuve d’Ascq, led by Zellous and Marie-Paule Foppossi, continued to apply pressure, and by the end of the first quarter, they held a 23-18 advantage. The second quarter saw Baxi Ferrol struggle with defensive lapses, allowing Villeneuve to increase their lead to 29-20, forcing López to call another timeout.
Despite attempts from Àngela Mataix and Claire Melia to close the gap, Villeneuve d’Ascq's physicality and shooting accuracy proved too much. A buzzer-beater three-pointer from Zellous ended the first half with Villeneuve leading 42-30, solidifying their control of the game.
The second half began poorly for Baxi Ferrol, with Villeneuve extending their lead to 48-30 shortly after the break. Joiner and Pospíšilová managed to score, but Zellous continued to dominate from beyond the arc, helping her team maintain a comfortable lead. By the end of the third quarter, Villeneuve led 66-50, and the Ferrol team faced a daunting challenge to mount a comeback.
In the final quarter, Baxi Ferrol needed a miracle. Mataix began the period with two free throws, but Zellous quickly responded with another three-pointer, pushing the lead to 71-52. Nevertheless, the Ferrolanas showed resilience, launching a 6-0 run that brought the score to 71-58, prompting a timeout from Villeneuve’s coach Maxime Bezin.
Despite the efforts, Villeneuve d’Ascq's experience and depth were evident as they regained control. Carla Leite and Foppossi contributed crucial baskets, ultimately sealing the game at 84-70. Shavonte Zellous was the standout performer, scoring 23 points and hitting five three-pointers, earning her the title of the game’s MVP.
For Baxi Ferrol, the final score does not overshadow their remarkable journey through the Eurocup. With players like Julie Pospíšilová, who scored 19 points, and Mataix, who added 13, the team demonstrated grit and determination. The squad, which includes talents like Joiner, Gala Mestres, and Claire Melia, has captured the hearts of their supporters in Ferrol and beyond.
As the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted in applause, celebrating the team’s achievements despite the loss. Coach Lino López expressed pride in his players, stating, “We fought until the end, and this experience will only make us stronger for the future.” The Baxi Ferrol has undoubtedly made its mark in European women's basketball, and their fans eagerly await what the next season will bring.
In the aftermath of the match, the support from Ferrol was palpable, with fans cheering for their team and acknowledging their historic run. The players will carry this experience into their future endeavors, knowing they have made history as the first team from Ferrol to reach a European final.
With the Eurocup title in Villeneuve d’Ascq's hands, the competition has concluded, but the legacy of Baxi Ferrol's performance will resonate in the hearts of fans for years to come. The journey may have ended in defeat, but it has paved the way for future successes.
