Barcelona, Bilbao, and Obradoiro prevail in exhibition day
FC Barcelona, Surne Bilbao, and Monbus Obradoiro achieved victories in the first round of the domestic competition. The teams took advantage of their offensive superiority to assert themselves emphatically in their respective matches.
FC Barcelona surpassed Leyma Coruña with a final score of 119-91, demonstrating gradual growth throughout the four quarters. The Blaugrana team showcased an offensive display that allowed them to build a comfortable lead, particularly in the last ten minutes when they decisively stepped on the gas.
Barcelona dominates with precision in attack
Sekulic's team went into halftime with a score of 52-47, a tight scoreline that did not reflect the superiority they would show later. In the second quarter, the team scored thirty points while Leyma Coruña kept pace without being able to pull away. The third period was even more productive, with 33 points scored thanks to a brutal effectiveness in two-pointers, hitting 12 out of 13 from the paint area. However, the Galician team was still in the fight with a score of 85-79 at minute 30.
The turning point came at the start of the final quarter. Barcelona executed a devastating run of 14-4 in just four minutes, allowing them to open a sixteen-point gap. A three-pointer from Gibson sealed the score at 102-85 and left the game practically decided. The final victory of 119-91 better reflected the Blaugrana's supremacy than the flow of the match.
Balcerowski was the top scorer with 21 points, showing exceptional accuracy by converting 9 of his 9 attempts from two points. Parra contributed 12 points, Martin 16, Brizuela 15, and Nkamhoua 10. The coach took the opportunity to give minutes to Juan Núñez, Ubal, and Minaya, a necessary strategy ahead of the upcoming double matchday in the Euroleague. Robinson and Punter rounded out the contribution with 10 points each.
Obradoiro comes back in Andorra in its return to the ACB
Monbus Obradoiro showed character in their return to domestic competition by defeating MoraBanc Andorra 90-85. The Galicians needed to overcome a ten-point deficit and be superior in the decisive stretch to achieve a victory that underscores their competitive ability.
The first half was balanced. Andorra went to halftime leading 46-43. Upon resuming, the home team opened a gap up to 68-58, but Obradoiro responded with determination. They closed the third quarter tied thanks to a three-pointer from Abogidi that left it at 70-65 after thirty minutes.
The key moment came when Felipe Dos Anjos scored six consecutive points, resulting in a score of 70-71. The comeback was completed with two consecutive three-pointers from Leo Meindl and Barrueta that placed the score at 74-77 with 4:45 left. From then on, it was Andorra who was trailing. Joel Soriano dominated the paint with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and a valuation of 18. A three-pointer from Brandon Childress sealed the triumph of the Galician team with authority.
Bilbao Basket showcases its offensive potential against Manresa
Surne Bilbao put on a convincing offensive display to defeat Kids&Us Manresa 107-92 in Miribilla. Jaume Ponsarnau's team demonstrated a collective effectiveness that allowed them to control the match despite the opponent never fully giving up.
The first half was uneven. Bilbao went into halftime leading 44-38, a modest advantage that did not foreshadow later dominance. In the third quarter, the home team significantly increased their scoring to 63 points, a qualitative leap in their offensive production. Manresa tightened the score to 66-62, but they lacked the composure and physicality to put more pressure on a rival that relied on efficiency and experience. A buzzer-beater three-pointer from Frey at the end of the third quarter sealed the run with authority.
Darrun Hilliard led the performance with 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists. Tryggvi Hlinason contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds. Six Bilbao players surpassed ten points, with Frey and Normantas shining with 14 each. This distribution of scoring allowed the Basque team to control the pace without excessively relying on individuals.
In the final quarter, Bilbao cleared any doubts by stretching the lead to 17 points (88-71 at minute 35). The closing minutes became an exchange of baskets with no significance on the outcome. Manresa was never able to get close enough, limited by their deficiencies in the interior game and lack of accuracy in key moments. Ongenda was the best for Manresa with 17 points, followed by Kolenda with 16 and Notae with 14.
Performance Analysis
The three victories reflect teams at different moments in their competitive cycle. Barcelona took advantage of its superior offensive potential to close the game in the final stretch, a characteristic that defines great teams. Their ability to score 33 points in one quarter with a brutal effectiveness in two-pointers shows a worrying offensive solidity for their rivals.
Obradoiro demonstrated that their return to the ACB will not be a mere formality. Their ability to come back from ten points down in Andorra and maintain composure in the final quarter evidences a team that knows how to compete under pressure. Joel Soriano is emerging as a key player in the paint.
Bilbao Basket showcased an offensive versatility that allowed them to dominate without the need for a single star. Six players above ten points suggest a balanced team with varied options for attacking rival defenses. Their ability to raise scoring to 63 points in one quarter demonstrates considerable offensive power.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Barcelona, Bilbao y Obradoiro se imponen en jornada de exhibiciones