In a thrilling finale, Hozono Global Jairis secured their first Copa de la Reina title on March 23, 2025, defeating familiar rivals Perfumerías Avenida 67-59 in a hard-fought match held at the Pabellón Príncipe Felipe in Zaragoza, Spain. The victory not only marked a historic achievement for the Murcian team but also ended Avenida's hopes of reclaiming the trophy.
The evening started with an air of anticipation as fans packed the arena, eager to witness a showdown that had become a staple in women's basketball. From the opening tip, it was clear that both teams were determined to establish their dominance. The game began competitively, with Avenida initially gaining a slight edge, leading 12-14 by the end of the first quarter.
However, Jairis quickly adjusted their approach, led by the formidable Iyana and Jess Jespersen, who fueled their team’s energy. The second quarter saw Jairis changing the tide—thanks in large part to a late rally that saw them outscore Avenida with a 7-1 run. A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Lou located them ahead at halftime, 25-23, sending the supporters into a frenzy.
As the third quarter unfolded, Jairis emerged like a cyclone, overwhelming Avenida with an impressive 11-2 scoring run that extended their lead to 36-25. Coach Bernat Canut’s strategic decisions proved pivotal as his team maintained their rhythm, expanding the lead with a remarkable 28-14 quarter. By the end of the third period, Jairis was in command at 53-37, with fans now able to anticipate their first Copa de la Reina title.
Although Avenida, known for their resilience, refused to back down easily. In a determined push during the final quarter, they narrowed the gap to just one point, trailing 56-55, with less than five minutes remaining. Dominant performances by Silvia Domínguez and a flurry of scoring helped them get back into contention for the title. Despite this surge from Avenida, Lou stepped up in crucial moments, sinking two vital three-pointers that ultimately sealed victories and earned her the title of MVP of the Copa de la Reina.
Post-game, Lou expressed her emotions: “We worked so hard for this, and it feels amazing to finally get it,” reflecting on what the trophy meant not only for her but for the entire team and their supporters.
The match was broadcasted on Teledeporte and also found its way to viewers through regional broadcasts like Esport3 in Catalonia and online platforms such as the Twitch channel of the FEB, allowing fans unable to attend in person to immerse themselves in the excitement.
The final score not only etched a new chapter in Jairis' history but also represented a moment of heartbreak for Perfumerías Avenida, who have consistently been one of the strongest teams in the league. They demonstrated strong spirit and skill throughout the game, but ultimately fell short in what could be described as a match of resilience and stark determination.
As celebrations erupted in the streets of Murcia, the victory brought with it not only a trophy but a strong sense of community and pride for all involved. For Jairis, this win marked not just a victory over a rival but also established them as a formidable force within Spanish women’s basketball.
With emotions running high on both sides, and fans actively discussing the game online, the Copa de la Reina final showcased the raw intensity and passion for the sport, leaving an indelible mark on all its participants and its audience. The determination displayed by Jairis signifies their intention to remain competitive in future tournaments, eager to build on the momentum of their historic victory.