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may 23 2026LAS PALMAS. BAXI Manresa secured a crucial road victory at Dreamland Gran Canaria, winning 80-87 in a tightly contested matchup marked by playoff pressure and poor three-point shooting from both teams. Diego Ocampo's squad managed the crucial moments better and capitalized on the hosts' anxiety to secure an important win led by a brilliant David Duke Jr.
The American shooting guard was decisive with 21 points and a 24 efficiency rating in a performance that allowed the Catalan squad to control the game throughout practically the entire second half.
The game started with tremendous tension and little offensive rhythm. Both Dreamland Gran Canaria and BAXI Manresa struggled to find continuity on offense during the opening minutes.
Tobey initially sustained the island team from the post, while Reyes and Obasohan began generating advantages for the visitors in a physical contest from the start.
BAXI Manresa began feeling more comfortable thanks to several runs of outside shooting and managed to open a small lead midway through the first quarter. However, the entry of Pelos and Brandon Jefferson allowed Dreamland Gran Canaria to react, closing the first quarter ahead (22-21).
The second quarter maintained the same script of equality and offensive difficulties. Isaiah Wong quickly committed his second personal foul, which affected part of the local rotation, forcing Jaka Lakovic to make adjustments earlier than planned.
In the midst of the offensive stalemate, Dani Pérez appeared. The point guard once again managed the game's pace with great intelligence and constantly found David Duke Jr., who began punishing the Gran Canaria defense to open a five-point lead (26-31).
Three-point shooting was a genuine problem for both teams throughout the entire first half. Dreamland Gran Canaria reached halftime without making a single three-pointer, while BAXI Manresa also struggled to find consistency from beyond the arc.
Still, Diego Ocampo's squad managed the game's context much better and took advantage of the playoff pressure weighing on the home team to reach halftime leading the scoreboard (35-42).
The game definitively tilted after the break. Álex Reyes opened the second half with a three-pointer and shortly after David Duke Jr. and Obasohan took definitive offensive control of the game.
Dreamland Gran Canaria tried to react through Isaiah Wong and Brussino, but BAXI Manresa continuously responded and maintained double-digit leads.
The home team also began to despair at times and never found the offensive fluidity necessary to change the course of the game.
In the final quarter, Wong and Albicy tried to reactivate Dreamland Gran Canaria and managed to slightly reduce the deficit, although BAXI Manresa responded once again with great character.
Brussino finally began finding success from beyond the arc, but David Duke Jr. continued punishing time and again on the other end of the floor.
The decisive blow came with a three-pointer from Steinbergs with less than three minutes remaining that made it 72-83 and essentially sealed the game.
Dreamland Gran Canaria could not complete the comeback and ended up suffering a very delicate loss in the fight for survival.
David Duke Jr. led BAXI Manresa with 21 points and a 24 efficiency rating, perfectly complemented by Dani Pérez's playmaking and the collective effort of the Catalan squad. For Dreamland Gran Canaria, Isaiah Wong stood out with 17 points and Metu with 15.
With this victory, BAXI Manresa continues consolidating its position in the middle of the standings. For their part, Dreamland Gran Canaria maintains only a one-win margin over Casademont Zaragoza and MoraBanc Andorra in a fight for survival that remains completely open.
