Baskonia starts with a win against Joventut in the quarterfinals

Baskonia started their journey in the ACB playoffs with a resounding victory against Joventut, sealing the first game of the series with a score of 85-71 at the Buesa Arena. The team led by Galbiati didn't need to display their best version for most of the game, but when the decisive moment arrived, they executed quality basketball that allowed them to secure the last three quarters and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The game began with absolute balance. Joventut, under Dani Miret's guidance, arrived in Vitoria unafraid and with Ricky Rubio's experience at the helm. The first ten minutes reflected that perfect equilibrium, with both teams tied at 18 points. La Penya showed they could compete head-to-head against a Baskonia that had not yet found its offensive rhythm.

A first half without definition

During the first twenty minutes, Baskonia relied on Spagnolo and Kobi Simmons to create some distance, but Joventut responded intelligently. The verdinegros, leaning on defensive experience and physicality in the paint, neutralized every attempt by the home team to break away. Joventut's defense was particularly effective in static plays, preventing Baskonia from gaining the desired advantage. At halftime, the score reflected that tactical battle: 38-37 in favor of Galbiati's team, just a one-point difference that kept the visitors' hopes alive.

Joventut entered the third quarter with confidence. Ricky Rubio, with his 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, had become the team's engine, while Birgander provided auxiliary solutions to maintain the pace. The duel remained a battle of wills, with neither team able to break the deadlock. It was then that Joventut seemed to find a new spark. With the verdinegros boosted emotionally, they led 59-60 entering the final quarter, with Joventut ahead in the scoreline and the feeling that the game could swing in either direction.

The last quarter defines the first game

What happened in the final ten minutes completely changed the dynamics of the game. Baskonia showcased their best form when they needed it most. Eugene Omoruyi, with 13 points in the game, was particularly inspired in this decisive phase, while Luwawu-Cabarrot also raised his game with 12 points. Spagnolo, who also contributed 12 points, helped the home team display a more fluid and effective style of basketball. The defense significantly improved, limiting Joventut's options, and the offense gained precision and pace.

Baskonia's final push was devastating. Within minutes, Galbiati's team built an advantage that Joventut couldn't overcome. The 85-71 final score reflected their superiority in key moments, when pressure mounted and the game was decided. For Joventut, Ricky Rubio's efforts proved inadequate. The veteran point guard did everything possible to keep his team in the fight, but his teammates couldn't match the required intensity in the decisive stretch.

Start of intense playoffs

With this victory, Baskonia takes the lead in a series that promises to be competitive. Galbiati's team demonstrated that, although not dominant for most of the game, they have the ability to raise their level when the game is on the line. Joventut, on the other hand, will need to analyze what happened in the last quarter and seek solutions for the upcoming matchups. Ricky Rubio's experience will be crucial in the games ahead, but more offensive support will be necessary if they want La Penya to advance in these ACB playoffs.

In the rest of the quarterfinals, Valencia Basket edged out Surne Bilbao with a close 83-80 victory, while Barça thrashed UCAM Murcia 91-68. Real Madrid, on the other hand, fell to La Laguna Tenerife in a tight match that ended 97-98. The ACB playoffs have started with surprising and balanced results, promising an exciting competition in the coming weeks.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Baskonia arranca con victoria ante Joventut en cuartos