In a thrilling provincial derby, Clínica Ponferrada SDP triumphed over Cultural Leonesa with a score of 80-73 at the Palacio Municipal de los Deportes in León. This victory not only avenged their earlier defeat in the season but also solidified their position in the playoffs for promotion to Primera FEB, finishing the regular season in fourth place, tied with Melilla.
The match, which took place on April 19, 2025, was marked by intense competition and fluctuating momentum. The crowd of nearly 4,000 fans witnessed a game that was close throughout, with both teams exchanging leads and battling for supremacy until the final minutes. Despite the loss, Cultural Leonesa secured third place in the standings, ensuring they will have home-court advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs.
The first quarter kicked off with a strong start from both teams, but it was Clínica Ponferrada that initially took the lead. The first basket of the game came from a corner three-pointer by Álex Harguindey, giving the visitors a 3-0 advantage. However, Cultural Leonesa quickly responded, with Kyle Greeley and Obi Okafor contributing to a back-and-forth scoring exchange. By the end of the first quarter, a triple from Sergio Romero allowed Ponferrada to edge ahead at 18-19.
The second quarter continued the trend of tight competition. Cultural Leonesa initially regained the lead with a three-pointer from Greeley, but Clínica Ponferrada responded with consecutive baskets from Chivi Merlo, who finished the game with 13 points and 8 rebounds. The teams traded baskets, and at halftime, Clínica Ponferrada held a narrow lead of 36-37, thanks to a late basket from Pau Treviño.
As the second half began, both teams ramped up their intensity. Isaac Vázquez opened the scoring for Cultural Leonesa with a three-pointer, leveling the game momentarily. However, Ponferrada's defense proved resilient, allowing them to maintain a slight edge. The third quarter ended with Ponferrada leading 55-59, following another crucial three-pointer from Romero.
The final quarter brought the most drama, with Cultural Leonesa launching an 11-0 run that put them ahead for a brief moment. This surge was highlighted by a 2+1 play from Jordan Kellier, who was instrumental in keeping his team competitive throughout the match. However, Clínica Ponferrada's composure shone through as they responded with key baskets from Matija Samar, who led all scorers with 20 points. Samar's performance was pivotal, especially in the closing moments of the game.
As the clock wound down, Treviño tied the game with a hook shot and followed it up with two free throws. Merlo's emphatic dunk then pushed the score to 67-71, giving Ponferrada a crucial advantage. The visitors capitalized on Cultural's mistakes, and despite a valiant effort from the home team, they could not close the gap.
In the final seconds, Samar sealed the victory by sinking three free throws, bringing the final score to 73-80. This victory not only secured Clínica Ponferrada's playoff position but also provided a much-needed boost of confidence after two consecutive losses leading up to this match.
Looking ahead, Clínica Ponferrada will face CB Prat in the first round of the playoffs, where they will aim to build on this momentum. The team’s coach, Oriol Pozo, expressed satisfaction with the performance, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, Cultural Leonesa will need to regroup and address their late-game lapses as they prepare for their playoff campaign.
In terms of individual performances, Ezequiel Herrera contributed significantly with 14 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. The game was a testament to the fierce rivalry between the two teams, with both sides displaying skill and determination throughout the contest. As the regular season concludes, all eyes will now turn to the playoffs, where the stakes will undoubtedly be even higher.
With the playoffs approaching, both teams are keen to refine their strategies and enhance their performances. The competitive nature of this derby has set the stage for an exciting postseason, and fans can expect thrilling basketball in the weeks to come.
