MANRESA — BAXI Manresa defeated Joventut 87-77 in an ACB matchup where the home side controlled play throughout. Led by solid team basketball and standout performances from Dani Pérez Bassas and Reyes, Pedro Martínez's squad secured a crucial victory that opens up breathing room in the standings, while Joventut Badalona arrives battered ahead of their decisive European commitment.
The game started with BAXI Manresa locked in competitively, capitalizing on Joventut's offensive mistakes. A three-pointer from Reyes capped an early run that gave the hosts an advantage (7-0), punishing the visitors' lack of accuracy. However, as the minutes wore on, the green-and-black squad found some rhythm, particularly attacking downhill, which allowed them to briefly flip the scoreboard (9-10).
The contest then entered a back-and-forth phase, marked by imprecision on both sides and irregular pace. Still, BAXI Manresa managed to reach the end of the first quarter with a slight edge (18-17), following a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Brooks. In the second period, the home team tried to break open the game with quick-strike offense, buoyed by Knudsen's hot hand, which pushed a five-point lead (25-20). But Joventut responded by tightening their defense, clogging passing lanes and forcing a slower pace that kept things even until halftime (39-37), with Hunt making the most of his opportunities to keep the visitors afloat.
After the break, BAXI Manresa delivered the game's most important blow. Another three-pointer from Reyes and contributions from Brooks allowed them to open a significant gap (52-39), reaching as much as a 15-point advantage (54-39). Joventut reacted timidly through Hunt, trimming the deficit before the final quarter (62-56), but always playing catch-up.
In the closing stretch, the game became a constant exchange of baskets. Joventut got as close as three points (73-70) following a Kraag bucket, but that's when Bassas stepped up. BAXI Manresa's point guard hit a crucial three-pointer for 81-75 in a key play after an official review, which ultimately tilted the game in favor of the hosts.
With control of the scoreboard and at least a two-possession cushion, BAXI Manresa managed the final minutes better. Joventut, rushed on offense, found no answers, and a free throw from Steinbergs along with a closing three-pointer from Duke sealed the final 87-77.
BAXI Manresa thus notches their tenth ACB victory and extends their cushion over the relegation zone, solidifying positive momentum in the decisive stretch of the season, while Joventut must respond quickly before their crucial European showdown in Athens.