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abr 18 2026BILBAO — Surne Bilbao Basket fell 80-84 to BAXI Manresa in Liga Endesa ACB action, a closely contested matchup decided in the final minutes at Bilbao Arena. The Bilbao side couldn't secure a win before turning their attention to the FIBA Europe Cup final against PAOK. Harald Frey led the hosts with 20 points, while Álex Reyes and Agustín Ubal led the visiting squad.
The loss leaves Bilbao Basket without a win in a competitive contest, while BAXI Manresa adds its twelfth victory of the season in Liga Endesa.
The game started with a slow pace and poor offensive execution from both teams. Defense set the tone early and the scoreboard showed a tight 4-7 midway through the first quarter. The entry of the local second unit improved the Basque side's performance and allowed them to level the game (9-9).
From there, BAXI Manresa found better offensive opportunities and strung together a 0-7 run led by Agustín Ubal and Eli Brooks to take the lead (11-18). Bilbao Basket, despite losing Pauly Paulicap to injury, managed to stay close and closed the first quarter at a tight 17-19.
In the second quarter, the scoring pace increased. Justin Jaworski, Harald Frey, and Petrasek drove Surne Bilbao Basket, who took the lead (29-26). However, the visiting response came quickly, supported by Pierre Oriola's interior play and greater offensive consistency. At halftime, BAXI Manresa led 36-39.
After the break, the game maintained the same dynamic of equality. Martin Krampelj and Tryggvi Hlinason sustained the hosts in the paint, while three-pointers from Olinde and Álex Reyes gave breathing room to the Catalan side. Still, Bilbao responded and managed to regain the initiative at 54-53 late in the third quarter.
The final stretch of the period again favored the visitors, who took advantage of several consecutive plays to close the third quarter with a lead (57-61).
In the final ten minutes, BAXI Manresa managed to open a significant lead thanks to the outside shooting of Álex Reyes and Steinbergs, reaching 61-69. Bilbao Basket reacted with a run that allowed them to get within 80-81 after a three-pointer by Jaworski with 45 seconds remaining.
The home team had chances to complete the comeback, but in the final moments BAXI Manresa remained solid from the free throw line and secured the 80-84 victory.
Surne Bilbao Basket will now face the FIBA Europe Cup final against PAOK, while BAXI Manresa strengthens its Liga Endesa trajectory with a valuable road win.
