The intense matchup between Covirán Granada and Baskonia culminated with the locals suffering a narrow defeat, 75-73, at the Palacio de Deportes. Fans packed the venue, creating an electric atmosphere as Granada sought to extend their winning streak.
The game kicked off with considerable vigor, as Covirán Granada stunned everyone with a remarkable run, outscoring Baskonia 14-0. The team displayed high energy and sharp defense, forcing the powerful Baskonia side to call for an early timeout. With Jacob Wiley and Agustín Ubal leading the charge, the nazarí squad established themselves with confidence, and the first quarter closed at 20-18 after Baskonia rallied back.
The second quarter showcased the defensive struggles of Covirán. Baskonia capitalized on shooting opportunities, pushing forward with key plays by Tadas Sedekerskis and Kamar Baldwin. An impressive 0-13 streak from Baskonia sent alarm bells ringing for Covirán Coach Pablo Pin, prompting strategic adjustments to regain control. Through hard work, Covirán managed to equalize the score again and headed to halftime with a narrow 36-34 advantage.
After the break, it became clear: Baskonia was not going down easy. Chima Moneke became the heartbeat of the visitor's offense, scoring efficiently and outmaneuvering the local defense. Granada struggled significantly with their execution, which led to missed shots from distance and turned the momentum back toward Baskonia, who established their largest lead at 50-60 by the third quarter's end.
Heading toward the final stretch of the match, Cotivrán faced increasing pressure. Baskonia emerged with commanding performances, and the gap widened to 66-52, causing their supporters to feel their hopes begin to dwindle. Yet, through grit and determination, the local side rallied.
With collective effort, Granada generated a furious comeback, and the last three minutes turned out to be nail-biting. The audience erupted as Rousselle and Valtonen led Granada’s charge, closing the gap to just three points with seconds left on the clock. A pivotal block by Amine Noua pierced through the tension, offering Granada one last potential opening. Unfortunately, they fell short as two missed foul shots left them with little time to recover, concluding the fierce contest.
The competitive spirit displayed by Covirán Granada has left fans optimistic. Amine Noua achieved notable numbers with 11 points and 12 rebounds, partnering with Jacob Wiley's 17 points for solid performances. Despite the loss, the team showed hearts and pushed the playoff-caliber Baskonia to the limits.
For Baskonia, Moneke and Baldwin stood out, each contributing 14 points. Their effective scoring was enough to lift the team through the anxious moments experienced on the court.
Following this tightly contested match, Covirán Granada’s resolve will be tested as they prepare for the upcoming challenges of the Liga Endesa. The game may not have ended the way they wished, but their tenacity has set the stage for future battles.
