SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LA LAGUNA. La Laguna Tenerife once again proved why it is one of the most reliable teams in the Liga Endesa. The squad coached by Txus Vidorreta defeated Kosner Baskonia 89-85 on Sunday in an intense, fluctuating match of maximum competitive demand, decided once again by the composure of Marcelinho Huertas.
The Brazilian point guard took control when the game threatened to get away and once again served as a beacon in critical moments, posting 23 points and leading a Tenerife side that had to manage large leads, runs against them, and a final stretch marked by tension and physical fatigue.
The opening was a statement of intent. Tenerife came out with rhythm, fluidity, and solid defense, establishing territory with an early 8-2 run that reflected the tone of the encounter. Collective play, activity on the offensive glass, and defensive consistency allowed the home side to control a Baskonia team under pressure from the opening tip. By the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard showed 24-16, rewarding the better start by the home team.
The momentum did not slow in the second period. In less than twelve minutes of play, Tenerife had reached 37 points (37-21), overwhelming a Baskonia side that was outmatched in pace and reading of the game. Although the Vitoria team managed to stabilize as time passed, the home dominance remained. At the most delicate moment for the visitors, Spagnolo emerged as the primary offensive resource to sustain Baskonia and limit the damage before halftime, which arrived with a clear 50-35.
The script changed after the break. Baskonia came out with energy and strung together a quick run that cut the deficit (53-43), bringing the game to a more uncomfortable scenario for the home side. During the first five minutes of the third quarter, the margin continued to narrow to 60-52, the most irregular stretch for Tenerife in the entire game.
Even so, when the game threatened to turn definitively, Huertas emerged once again. His court vision, his ability to create advantages, and his leadership allowed them to close the third quarter at 66-58, breathing new life into Vidorreta's team. It was no small detail that Baskonia's last 14 points in that stretch came from the free throw line, a reflection of an increasingly physical and tight game.
The fourth quarter became a battle of contact, protests, and nerves. Baskonia continued to press, supported by accuracy from the free throw line, while the game tightened (69-62). In that context, Tenerife found answers: Huertas appeared again and a key play, finished by Fran Guerra off an assist, allowed them to extend the lead to 75-62.
The Vitoria team did not give up and came dangerously close on the scoreboard, but Tenerife managed the moments of confusion better, even amid tension with the referees. With craft, experience, and emotional control, the home side closed out the game with a hard-fought 89-85 that perfectly summarizes the competitive character of this team.
A significant victory for La Laguna Tenerife, built from a collective effort and sealed, once again, by the talent and hierarchy of Marcelinho Huertas. A big game, resolved the way teams that know how to win when the script gets complicated do it.