A hard-earned victory for Spar Girona to get back on track in Fontajau. Roberto Íñiguez’s team worked hard to overcome an always difficult opponent. Despite the difference at the end of the third quarter (57-42), the Madrid team had a final reaction that put them within ten points (57-48). However, with Roberto Íñiguez’s adjustments, the final three-pointers from Bibby and Touré ended up giving us the victory by 75 to 62.
Estudiantes was clear from the start that, to overcome Uni, they not only had to match the intensity, but they also had to surpass us in offensive rhythm. Thus, their verticality in offensive transitions gave them a slight advantage in the score (11-13), until two three-point actions (a three-pointer by Camilión and a 2+1 by Whittle) forced the game to be stopped (11-19). With Roberto’s instructions, our players managed to stop the visitors in their tracks, and three consecutive baskets by Maya, Hristova and Carol put us within just one point (18-19).
The Girona team maintained their good run in the second quarter, and Sandra, from long range, and Guerrero, under the basket, confirmed the 12-0 lead (23-19). The game was deadlocked for a few minutes for both teams, but Spar breathed again thanks to free throws by Canella and a triple by Caldwell, extending the lead to 17-0 (28-19). Finally, Banaszak and Salvadores regained their composure for Estudiantes, getting close to four points (28-24). A tackle by Canella and an action under the basket by Guerrero widened the gap again (32-24), but the Madrid team reacted to come within just three points (32-29). Just when Movistar seemed to be at its best, Klara’s actions allowed them to impose a final 7-0 run, allowing Uni to go into the break with a +10 (39-29).
Spar’s offensive dynamic continued in the second half, with Klara Lundquist standing out with her baskets (49-34). This maximum difference in the match was maintained by two scores by Hristova (54-38), until a three-pointer by Salvadores and a free throw by Topuzovic allowed the visitors to reduce the gap (55-42). With little margin for the end of the quarter, a Canella tackle closed the period (57-42).
With only ten minutes to go, Estudiantes moved up another gear, reaching a nine-point lead after a three-pointer by Buhner (57-48). Roberto Íñiguez’s instructions took effect, and baskets from Guerrero, Hristova and Klara put the score back at +10 (64-54). Despite the visiting timeout, and a technicality pointed out to our coach, Estudiantes re-entered the game. However, the final three-pointers from Bibby and Touré put the final verdict in, with Spar winning 75 to 62.
