Casademont Zaragoza closed out its preseason the way it needed to: with a win at home. The team defeated UCAM Murcia 87-72 in the Ciudad de Zaragoza Trophy Memorial José Luis Abós, in a game that proved difficult for the first half hour but was decided in the final twenty minutes.
An even first half
The start saw Justin Jaworski carrying almost the entire offensive load, though without the accuracy of other days. The scoreboard moved slowly and the first quarter was decided by details: the entry of Guillem Vives tilted the period in favor of the home side (22-20).
The second quarter maintained the balance. Gabriel Olaseni and Roberts Blumbergs contributed from the offensive glass, Sergi García moved to shooting guard to accompany a Trae Bell-Haynes still without his usual touch, and Nico Brussino had to play power forward due to an injury Blumbergs suffered. The halftime break came at 41-40.
The third quarter changed everything
After the intermission, intensity increased and the player of the game emerged: Laurynas Birutis took control of the paint against a UCAM team struggling at the center position and fatigued from their third game in a week.
Casademont extended the lead to seven points (57-50), with Bell-Haynes rediscovering his best form near the basket. Missed free throws prevented opening a larger gap, but the quarter closed at 63-54 following a 22-14 run.
And the fourth, to savor
With both teams more fatigued and UCAM unable to impose their physicality, Casademont continued to grow with a very incisive Brussino, who was fouled out in the 36th minute.
Caleb Homesley and Birutis sealed the score (80-65 with three minutes remaining) and in the final moments Matija Lukic, the academy's standout prospect, took the court and even had time to attempt a three-pointer at the end of a possession.
The numbers and the day
Birutis led all scorers with 17 points, followed by Jaworski with 16 and Homesley with 11. For UCAM, Falk finished with 12 and Raieste 10.
The day also featured two moments outside of play. Jilson Bango, who returned to the club this month and is awaiting knee surgery before he can join the team, received a warm ovation during the presentation. At halftime, José Luis Abós and Ranko Zeravica were honored.