MANRESA. Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos secured a crucial Liga Endesa victory, defeating BAXI Manresa 94-101 at Nou Congost. The Burgos side took an important step toward survival thanks to offensive leadership from Raul Neto, who scored 26 points, and Gonzalo Corbalán, who added 25 in a second-half comeback.
The game started with maximum parity and high tempo from both teams. BAXI Manresa found early energy through spectacular plays, including a dunk with a foul by Kao Akobundu that ignited Nou Congost and put the score at 9-8 in the opening minutes.
From there, the Catalan side accelerated the pace with the playmaking of Retin Obasohan and Ferran Bassas. With greater offensive fluidity and quick transitions, the hosts built a seven-point lead (20-13) and appeared to take control of the game. The first quarter ended with a Manresa advantage following an inside play by Pierre Oriola (28-23).
In the second quarter, the script remained favorable for BAXI Manresa. Outside shooting allowed the hosts to maintain their distance, and a three-pointer by Marcis Steinbergs extended the lead to 37-29. Shortly after, the power forward capitalized on a rebound to establish 44-34, consolidating the best local moment.
Just when the game seemed to be getting away, Raul Neto emerged. The Brazilian point guard changed the offensive rhythm for Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos and led the visiting comeback before halftime, cutting the deficit to a tight 49-47.
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The momentum shifted completely after the break. The team coached by Porfi Fisac maintained the energy from the end of the second quarter and found a constant reference in Gonzalo Corbalán. The Argentine brought Burgos closer to 54-53 and set the stage for the comeback.
In just minutes, Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos put together an 0-8 run that allowed them to take the lead for the first time in the game (60-63). The psychological blow was significant and BAXI Manresa lost solidity on both ends of the floor.
With Neto unleashed, the Castilian side continued punishing every local mistake. The Brazilian kept adding points and controlling the pace of the game, while Burgos closed the third quarter with their largest lead to that point (72-82).
In the final period, BAXI Manresa tried to react, pushed by their home crowd. A fast-break dunk by Obasohan cut the deficit and forced a visiting timeout (76-85). Later, a 2+1 by David Duke brought the Catalans within five points (84-89) with three minutes remaining.
However, at the decisive moment, the maturity of Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos showed through. The visiting squad responded with a favorable run in the final possessions, controlled the key moments better, and secured a crucial 94-101 victory at Nou Congost.
This triumph brings San Pablo Burgos closer to survival in the Liga Endesa, while BAXI Manresa lets slip an important opportunity at home.
The Burgos team emerges strengthened for the final stretch of the season, while the Catalans will need to react quickly to avoid complicating their playoff aspirations.