The most anticipated game in Spanish women’s basketball did not disappoint. Spar Girona put on a stellar performance on the road and claimed victory in the classic against Perfumerías Avenida (67-76) in an intense and back-and-forth match. The Girona side showed their strength from the start, controlling the pace and asserting their dominance in the paint. Despite the home team’s efforts to turn the game around, Uni managed the key moments well to secure a prestigious win in Würzburg. Pierre-Louis led all scorers with 18 points.
With the usual nerves of a classic, both teams struggled with their shooting early on. Gradually, Lundquist stood out on both ends of the court, fighting for rebounds and adding pace to Uni’s game. Both the Swedish forward and Touré contributed the first points for the visitors (2-5). Koné responded for the hosts, but Bobi registered her first points of the game. Avenida’s center narrowed the gap to just one point (6-7), but four straight points from Bibby, a three-pointer from Tate, and two late baskets from Pierre-Louis extended Uni’s lead to +10 (2-11 run, 8-18).
As the second quarter began, Spar Girona maintained their scoring rhythm with contributions from the bench. Guerrero, Canella, and Sandra Ygueravide (twice) widened the gap (12-26). Montañana’s timeout didn’t stop Uni’s strong inside game (baskets from Pierre and Mack), though Lekovic and Carter hit threes to bring Avenida within 10 points (20-30). Despite Uni’s efforts, shots wouldn’t fall, and Avenida capitalized on their momentum to tie the game at 30 (Carter’s three-pointer, Vilaró’s free throws, a 2+1 from Koné, and a layup by Lekovic in a 13-0 run). However, just when things looked tough for Girona, Vi scored inside, and Ainhoa made a buzzer-beating layup to give Uni a slight edge at halftime (30-34).
Klara opened the second half with a surprising bucket, while Pierre, flawless in her shooting, added another mid-range jumper (5/5, 10 points, 30-38). Iyana kept the home team’s hopes alive with a buzzer-beating three-pointer (35-40), but Bibby answered with Uni’s second three of the game (35-43). Jespersen quickly responded with a three of her own (38-43), but after Iyana picked up her fourth foul, free throws from Hristova and a strong play by Koné (40-45) gave Uni another boost. Girona pushed forward with a 5-0 run (Klara, Guerrero, and Touré scoring, 40-50). Montañana’s timeout didn’t slow them down, though, as Domínguez stepped up for Avenida with two consecutive three-pointers. However, Ygueravide and Guerrero were quick to respond (46-55). Despite Uni’s lead, a 2+1 from Fasoula (plus Mack’s fourth foul) and a free throw from Lekovic closed the third quarter (50-55).
In the final quarter, Bibby knocked down her second three-pointer (50-58). With the advantage and Pierre-Louis back on the court, Avenida tried to stop Vi with fouls, but the center remained flawless from the free-throw line (14 points, 57-62). The game turned into a constant exchange of free throws, with Uni coming out on top thanks to Sandra’s points (57-64). Touré scored in transition, but Gil answered with a basket, missing the additional free throw (59-66). Once again, Spar Girona focused their attacks inside, and Pierre-Louis converted twice in a row, forcing Montañana to call another timeout (59-70). Iyana Martín returned to the game and brought Perfumerías closer with another spectacular three-pointer (64-70). Despite the home team’s momentum, a foul on Gil sent Bibby to the free-throw line. Shortly after, Mack, who had returned in the final minutes, restored Uni’s +10 lead (64-74). Montañana called another timeout with 1:49 left, but Sandra sealed the victory with a layup (64-76), securing the classic for Spar Girona with a final score of 67-76.ra, Guerrero, and Touré scoring, 40-50). Despite Avenida’s efforts, Spar Girona remained in control, closing out the game 67-76.
