Coruña resists and defeats Bilbao in overtime (104-101)

The match between Leyma Básquet Coruña and Surne Bilbao was a tactical battle where both teams refused to give in. The Galicians started with better intentions, but the oranges came with confidence after nearing 50 percent accuracy in three-pointers against Kids&Us Manresa. However, the Bilbao shooters began accumulating shooting errors, something Coruña took advantage of to gain an early lead.

The first quarter showcased a frantic pace that led to turnovers on both sides. Surne Bilbao took time to find their outside shooting; their first three-pointer came in the 12th minute from Harald Frey, after seven failed attempts. Despite these offensive ups and downs, Jaume Ponsarnau's team maintained their composure. In the final stretch of the first ten minutes, Leyma Coruña pulled ahead to make the score 22-16, punishing the black defense with their offensive rebounds, managing to collect four in the same possession.

Halftime, a balancing point

The pace of the game remained extremely high when Ponsarnau called the first timeout of the match. Leyma Coruña had extended their lead to 42-35 by the 17th minute. The Galicians stepped up their defensive intensity, and Darrun Hilliard began to emerge offensively, adding dynamism to their attack. Surne Bilbao reacted, but the orange lead was maintained at just one point by halftime: 46-45. A result reflecting the real parity between two teams that did not want to yield.

The third quarter continued with the same tone of balance. Harald Frey led a momentary surge for Surne Bilbao with two almost consecutive three-pointers, generating an 0-8 run that seemed to tip the balance. However, Leyma Coruña responded, keeping the score equal. The game appeared completely open for the decisive quarter, where it was expected that one of the two teams would impose their will.

The decisive quarter and the final drama

The last round began with a 0-5 run that forced Carles Marco to call a timeout. The orange coach's reaction was effective: his team countered with a 6-0 run that restored order. Ponsarnau had to halt the reaction of Leyma Coruña, who clung to the individual talents of Alonzo Verge to maintain the lead. In the 34th minute, with the score at 79-75, the Galicians lost American George Conditt, which was a significant blow to their defensive options.

Surne Bilbao continued to score from the free-throw line, while Verge took charge of all the orange team's attacks. A three-pointer from the Galician player from the corner brought his team closer to victory, but Ponsarnau called a timeout with 86-79, just two and a half minutes remaining. Turnovers began to take their toll on the Bilbao team, and Leyma Coruña extended their lead. Nevertheless, the players in black did not give up.

With 90-85 on the scoreboard, Lithuanian Lukas Uleckas missed a free throw that would have been crucial. Luke Petrasek responded with a quick three-pointer to keep Bilbao's hope alive. There were only two seconds left. Bilbao committed a foul, and Jorgensen missed his first free throw. Ponsarnau called a timeout because his players would have one last play to force overtime. Darrun Hilliard, with two defenders on him, silenced the Coliseum with a spectacular buzzer-beater three-pointer that sent the game into overtime.

Overtime and the outcome

Leyma Básquet Coruña started the overtime better, but the equality was maintained at all times. The last seconds were crucial. Brazilian Caio Pacheco did not miss from the free-throw line to make it 104-101 with 11 seconds left. Surne Bilbao had two attempts to force a second overtime, the second after an offensive rebound provided a second chance, but both Petrasek and Frenchman Bastien Vautier missed their attempts.

The victory of Leyma Coruña in the Liga Endesa was sealed with Vautier's miss, preventing the Bilbao team from forcing a second overtime. It was a hard-fought triumph, endured, and finally celebrated by the Galicians, who showed their ability to keep their composure during the most critical moments of the game.

Key players and stats

Alonzo Verge was the standout player of the match with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading Leyma Coruña's attacks when they were needed most. On the Coruña bench, Caio Pacheco contributed 13 points and was key in the final stretch, while Dmytro Skapintsev added 12 points. Lukas Uleckas contributed 14 points defensively.

For Surne Bilbao, Darrun Hilliard was the top scorer with 17 points, including that memorable buzzer-beater three-pointer. Normantas added 16 points, Harald Frey 13, and Luke Petrasek 11. Despite these individual efforts, the oranges could not avoid defeat in an overtime where the Galician team showed greater mental strength in the decisive moments.

This match highlighted the competitive intensity of the Liga Endesa, where details make the difference. The return of Leyma Coruña to competition is marked by a victory that injects confidence into the Galician team heading into upcoming commitments.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Coruña resiste y vence al Bilbao en prórroga (104-101)