VITORIA — Baskonia defeated Gran Canaria 88-86 in an ACB game decided in the final seconds after a hard-fought comeback by the home side. Led by a strong second-half reaction and decisive plays from Forrest, Simmons, and Diakité, the Vitoria team secured a crucial victory to maintain their position in the upper standings.
The start of the game was difficult for Baskonia, outplayed by a more accurate Gran Canaria, especially from beyond the arc. The visitors, with Tobey and Metu punishing on offense, managed to set the pace against an imprecise home team that couldn't find offensive solutions. Although Dusko Ivanovic's squad tried to react by using the bench, the first quarter left a sense of equality but with better feelings for the Canary Islands team.
In the second period, Baskonia improved defensively, but Gran Canaria knew how to take advantage of personal fouls to stay ahead. Wong's offensive leadership gave continuity to the visitors' good moment, while the Vitoria team began to cut the deficit thanks to Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, who showed his talent to keep his team in the game. Still, halftime arrived with an advantage for the islanders (33-40), reflecting local difficulties with low shooting percentages.
After the break, Baskonia radically changed its image. With greater intensity, three-point accuracy, and offensive rhythm, the home side put together a 14-4 run that allowed them to take control of the game (47-44). The contributions of Diakité and Simmons were key to consolidating the comeback, although Gran Canaria didn't lose face in the contest. Brussino, with two consecutive three-pointers, gave the visitors the lead back at the end of the third quarter (63-64).
The final period was a constant exchange of blows, with both teams playing at the limit. Simmons took center stage for Baskonia, while Metu, Alocén, and Tobey responded for Gran Canaria. The score remained extremely tight until the final moments, with the scoreboard showing a close 81-80 with two minutes remaining.
When it seemed Baskonia had the game under control (85-80), several consecutive errors allowed Gran Canaria's comeback. A three-pointer by Robertson with 12.7 seconds left put the visitors ahead (85-86), leaving the outcome completely open.
That's when Forrest appeared, delivering a decisive play with a difficult 2+1 to give Baskonia the lead back. On the final possession, Gran Canaria failed to score and the Vitoria team sealed a hard-fought but crucial 88-86 victory.
Baskonia thus extends its eighth consecutive win across ACB and European competition and reaches 19 victories in the Liga Endesa, consolidating their position in the upper echelon of the standings, while Gran Canaria competed until the end but left empty-handed in a maximum-intensity matchup.