Covirán Granada Defeats BAXI Manresa 92-79, Decides Game in Fourth Quarter

GRANADA - Covirán Granada defeated BAXI Manresa 92-79 in a matchup decided in the fourth quarter following a strong closing stretch by the Andalusian team. Amar Alibegovic, Lluís Costa, and Luka Bozic led the offensive production for the home side in a game marked by parity for much of the contest.

BAXI Manresa began the game with a stronger presence on the boards, one of the aspects that conditioned the start of the contest for the Granada team. The squad directed by Diego Ocampo managed to capture up to 16 rebounds in the first quarter, while Covirán Granada struggled to find rhythm on offense during the opening minutes. The first basket for the home team came from Lluís Costa, though the point guard had to temporarily leave the court after committing two fouls in less than two minutes. Jonathan Rousselle took his place, scoring eight consecutive points and allowing the home team to take the first lead on the scoreboard.

The back-and-forth basket exchange kept the game balanced, though fouls began to weigh on the game's development. BAXI Manresa visited the free throw line on several occasions and capitalized on their free throw accuracy to stay in the game. Additionally, the visiting squad managed to deploy their transition game and put together a 0-7 run that allowed them to open the first significant lead. However, Covirán Granada reacted in the final minutes of the period and the first quarter ended 18-21 on the scoreboard.

In the second quarter, the game maintained a competitive pace with alternating leads. Luka Bozic assumed a prominent role in the interior game for the Granada squad, contributing ten points and four rebounds in a quarter he played nearly in its entirety. After an opening with back-and-forth baskets, the game entered a more physical and grinding phase, again conditioned by personal fouls.

During this stretch, Jassel Pérez had to temporarily withdraw after committing his third foul. Javan Johnson entered the rotation, though he remained on the court for barely a minute before returning to the bench after committing two consecutive errors. Pere Tomàs then assumed more minutes than usual within the rotation. Parity was maintained until halftime, with both teams arriving at the break tied on the scoreboard (35-35).

After the halftime break, the third quarter continued with the same dynamic of maximum parity. Alex Reyes opened the scoring in the second half and BAXI Manresa managed to momentarily take the lead. Shortly after, an unsportsmanlike foul by Obasohan on Jassel Pérez, following a two-plus-one action by the Dominican player, allowed Covirán Granada to regain control of the scoreboard.

From that point on, both teams elevated their pace of play, with greater physical intensity and quick transitions. In that context, the figure of Amar Alibegovic emerged, putting together a highly productive stretch with thirteen points in just five minutes of play. The Bosnian power forward made three three-pointers, two two-point baskets, and a perfect free throw, leading his team offensively in the final stretch of the third quarter. Thanks to that contribution, Covirán Granada closed the quarter with a slight advantage (63-61).

The final period began with a 0-6 run in favor of BAXI Manresa that once again tightened the scoreboard. After a timeout called by Arturo Ruiz, Covirán Granada responded with a forceful reaction. The home team strung together a 14-0 run with several three-pointers and consecutive offensive plays that allowed them to open a significant lead on the scoreboard.

The Catalan squad tried to cut into the deficit and managed to get within five points, but Covirán Granada maintained control of the game in the final minutes. The home team managed the lead without committing decisive errors and ultimately secured the victory.

The game concluded with a final score of 92-79 at the Palacio de Deportes de Granada, in a matchup that remained balanced for three quarters and was decided in the final stretch thanks to the offensive accuracy and solidity of the Granada team in the fourth quarter.