Casademont Zaragoza delivered a dominant performance, securing a decisive 96-68 victory over Bàsquet Girona at the Príncipe Felipe Arena. This impressive win not only boosts Zaragoza's aspirations for the Copa del Rey but also highlights the continued struggles of Girona, who have now lost six consecutive matches.
The matchup showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams. Zaragoza, aiming to solidify their position among the top league contenders, played before a packed crowd of approximately 10,524 fans. Jilson Bango was the star of the night, finishing with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 34 evaluation points, marking his highest scoring game of the season.
Initially, the game started on shaky ground for Zaragoza, as Bàsquet Girona took advantage of their early confusion, leading briefly through the sharp shooting of Máximo Fjellerup. Girona's early momentum saw them take a 20-22 lead thanks to some quick scoring, putting pressure on the home side. But the tide began to turn when Bango found his rhythm. Following some strategic adjustments, Zaragoza regained control, finishing the first half with a comfortable 52-39 lead.
“El domingo es el partido más importante de los que he disputado en los últimos tiempos en el Felipe,” reflected Coach Porfirio Fisac, capturing the significance of the matchup. The second quarter showcased Zaragoza's defensive prowess, quickly dousing Girona's offensive fire, especially after hitting consecutive three-pointers which extended their advantage.
The third quarter proved to be pivotal for Zaragoza. The team unleashed their full potential, going on a 23-9 scoring run. Girona's defense faltered as they struggled to contain Bango, whose powerful plays left the visitors reeling. Despite showing signs of resilience at times, Girona couldn’t make up the deficit, exemplifying their struggles throughout the match.
Bango's performance stood out not only for his ability to score but also for his pace and physicality, which left Girona's defensive lineup unable to respond. Alongside Bango, Trae Bell-Haynes contributed significantly with 11 points and 6 assists, and Santi Yusta also scored 11 points, continuing the trend of Zaragoza's balanced offense.
On the opposing side, the best performers for Girona included Sergi Martínez with 13 points and 14 evaluation points and Juan Fernández, who managed to secure 13 points and 9 rebounds. Unfortunately, as has been the case for most of the season, they did not receive adequate support from the rest of the squad. Their inability to maintain momentum was evident as they limped to the finish of the game.
After the match, Henk Norel—a celebrated former player of Zaragoza—was honored with a commemorative shirt, celebrating his legacy at the club. Norel, who is regarded as one of the club's greats, attended the match to witness the reunion. The club acknowledged his significant contributions, including being the player with the most minutes and the highest evaluation points historically.
The match marked another important moment for Zaragoza as they continue their quest for excellence this season. With this trendy victory under their belt, they look forward to future matches with renewed confidence, particularly their upcoming game against La Laguna Tenerife. Meanwhile, Bàsquet Girona must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next test against Barcelona, hoping to find their footing before it's too late.