Joventut Badalona secured a decisive victory against Leyma Coruña with a final score of 94-85 on December 22, 2024. The exciting matchup, held at the Coliseum da Coruña, showcased the remarkable abilities of Sam Dekker, who was the standout performer with 30 points, including 8 three-pointers, leading his team to victory.
The game opened intensely, with Leyma Coruña initially taking the lead. They jumped out to a 13-7 advantage within the first five minutes, displaying solid defensive intensity and quick transitions led by players like Lundqvist and Barrueta. This serve as a strong foundation for Leyma as they fought to maintain their competitive edge against the seasoned Joventut side.
Despite the promising start for Leyma, Joventut’s head coach, Dani Miret, called for a timeout to strategize and regroup. This decision proved pivotal, as the team found its rhythm almost immediately upon returning to the court. With impressive offensive coordination and featuring Dekker’s sharpshooting, they quickly turned the game around. By the end of the first quarter, Joventut had edged ahead, leading 21-17.
Entering the second quarter, Joventut continued to build on their momentum. Under the electric play of Kasius Robertson and more contribution from Dekker, they expanded their lead significantly. A flurry of three-pointers and well-coordinated plays led to Joventut outscoring Leyma 25-13 for the quarter, finishing the first half with a dominant score of 46-30.
Though Leyma came out from halftime intent on closing the gap, they struggled on the perimeter, making just one of their first thirteen three-point attempts. This inefficiency allowed Joventut to maintain their lead and even push it as high as 17 points during the third quarter.
With the crowd roaring behind them, Leyma Coruña started to find their footing. A strategic timeout called by Diego Epifanio helped them formulate effective plays, leading to successful offensive runs and narrowing the gap to ten points by the end of the third quarter (69-59).
But the challenge proved steep; as the final quarter unfolded, Leyma battled fiercely, driven by the desire to overturn the deficit. They showcased notable determination, closing the distance to within ten points once more, and the atmosphere grew tense as the game reached its climax.
Yet, Dekker and his fellow teammates demonstrated resilience and skill, cutting through defensive lines and pouring on the points. Key baskets and three-pointers from both Dekker and Dotson closed out the final periods, and it became evident to the fans—despite Leyma’s valiant effort—it was not enough to clinch victory.
The game concluded with Joventut triumphing at 94-85, solidifying their position closer to Copa del Rey qualification. This victory not only reflected their talent but emphasized the importance of teamwork and strategic play throughout the match. Both teams displayed commendable effort, yet it was Joventut’s ability to capitalize on key moments, particularly through the outstanding play of Sam Dekker, which propelled them to success.
Looking forward, Leyma Coruña remains at the lower end of the standings, with their next game set against Bilbao Basket, another team grappling with similar challenges. Meanwhile, Joventut will strive to maintain their momentum, aiming for continued success as they push forward within the league.
