In an exhilarating clash at the Olímpic de Badalona, Joventut Badalona secured a vital victory against Surne Bilbao Basket, triumphing 87-79 on May 3, 2025, in jornada 30 of the Liga Endesa. This win marks a significant moment for Joventut, who had struggled at home in recent weeks, finally breaking a three-game losing streak at their venue.
The match kicked off with Surne Bilbao Basket showcasing their prowess early on, leading 24-17 at the end of the first quarter. The visitors, under the guidance of coach Jaume Ponsarnau, capitalized on their shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc. Rubén Domínguez was instrumental in this effort, draining two triples that helped establish an early lead for Bilbao.
As the second quarter unfolded, Bilbao extended their lead to 29-19 thanks to another three-pointer from Zoran Dragic, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. However, Joventut, spurred on by their home crowd, began to find their rhythm. The young talent Yannick Kraag injected energy into the team, leading a remarkable 18-6 run that flipped the scoreboard in favor of the hosts, bringing the score to 37-35 midway through the quarter.
Both teams exchanged baskets, and the first half concluded with Joventut narrowly ahead at 48-46. The competitive nature of the game was evident, with both sides displaying moments of brilliance interspersed with missteps. Coach Dani Miret of Joventut emphasized the importance of the match, knowing that a win was crucial for their playoff aspirations.
Upon resuming, Joventut ramped up their intensity. They quickly built a lead, pushing the score to 60-49 by the 25th minute, prompting Ponsarnau to call a timeout to regroup his players. Despite the setback, Surne Bilbao attempted to claw back into the game, with Tomasz Gielo hitting critical three-pointers to narrow the gap to 66-59 by the end of the third quarter.
As the final quarter commenced, Joventut seemed to have the momentum, with Adam Hanga extending their lead to 75-63. However, Bilbao Basket wasn’t ready to concede. Melwin Pantzar led a spirited comeback, bringing his team within five points at 77-72 with just three minutes remaining. This late surge showcased the resilience of the Bilbao players, who have been searching for a breakthrough away from home.
In the decisive moments, Joventut maintained their composure. Devon Dotson, who led the scoring for Joventut with 20 points, played a pivotal role in sealing the game. His contributions, alongside Kassius Robertson's 19 points, were crucial in ensuring the home team secured the win.
After the game, coach Ponsarnau reflected on the loss, stating, "In key possessions, Joventut found success while we faltered. We had some great moments and showed energy, but ultimately, we lacked the killer instinct in crucial moments." His sentiments echoed the frustration felt by the team, who have now suffered nine consecutive defeats on the road.
For Joventut, this victory not only boosts their morale but also solidifies their position as contenders for the playoffs. With two critical matches coming up, they are determined to build on this momentum and secure their place in the postseason.
The final statistics reflected a hard-fought battle: Joventut's scoring was led by Dotson (20), Robertson (19), Kraag (5), Grazulis (5), and Tomic (12). Meanwhile, Bilbao's efforts were spearheaded by Gielo (13), Dragic (10), and Pantzar (11). The game was officiated by Luis Miguel Castillo, Rafael Serrano, and Yasmina Alcaraz, with no players ejected.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of basketball, where momentum can shift in an instant. As both teams look ahead, the stakes will only get higher in the coming weeks. Fans can expect thrilling matchups as the Liga Endesa season progresses.
