Asisa Joventut Edges Past Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos 85-79 in Hard-Fought Victory

Joventut secured a hard-fought victory over San Pablo Burgos on Sunday afternoon at the Olímpic. The match proved closer than expected, with the Catalans building a 15-point lead before the visitors cut it to just 2 points with over 5 minutes remaining. Neto and Rubio were the standout performers. Although Joventut had already clinched their playoff spot, they must wait until the final regular season matchday to learn their quarterfinal opponent.

The visitors from Burgos started sharp and accurate, building an early 2-7 lead capped by a three-pointer from Juan Rubio. Coach Miret made quick adjustments, with Hunt and Hanga combining for over 6.75 points to briefly swing momentum back to Joventut. The opening quarter saw both teams trade baskets, with Ruzic and Heidegger standing out for their respective sides.

As in the first quarter, Asisa started the second period with some unforced errors and unnecessary nervousness given the match context. Back-to-back three-pointers from Hakanson and Parker helped Joventut shake off the rust and build a 7-point advantage; Ruzic continued to showcase his quality during a week when reports link him to the NCAA for next season. Fisac called a timeout at 38-31 (15:00). The stoppage sparked a response, and a three-pointer from Neto, who was having an excellent stretch, cut the deficit to a single point.

Two three-pointers from Hunt opened the third quarter scoring and extended Joventut's lead to 10 points in an evenly matched contest. After a two-pointer from Hakanson, Burgos coach Fisac was forced to call another timeout. The Swedish point guard struck again, this time from three for a 56-41 lead. However, Recoletas Salud refused to quit, with consecutive baskets from Samuels, while Neto continued orchestrating Joventut's offense and helping cut into the deficit.

Despite having the game well in hand, Joventut saw the visitors claw back to within just 2 points thanks to three-pointers from Díez and Rubio; Miret's team had relaxed and the victory was suddenly in jeopardy at 70-68 (35:00). Ricky, working quietly without Tomic, once again proved to be his team's leader today; in these crucial moments he sparked a small local run that was extended by a three-pointer from Heidegger. Still, Penya regrouped and, with solid contributions from Kraag, secured the win.

BOX SCORE

Asisa Joventut 86: Hakanson (11), Hunt (13), Kraag (7), Parker (5), Birgander (9)- starting five- Drell (5), Rubio (10), Vives (6), Ruzic (8), Morin (7) and Hanga (5).

Recoletas Salud San Pablo Burgos 79: Neto (19), Rubio (6), Happ (2), Corbalán (4), Samuels (7)- starting five- Nzosa (-), Shackelford (7), Gudmundsson (3), Almazán (-), Díez (8), Heidegger (17) and Fischer (6).

Quarters: 26-23, 19-18, 21-14, 20-24.

Referees: Castillo, Torres, Esteve.

Notes: Matchday 33 of the Endesa regular season played at the Olímpic in Badalona before 4,006 spectators. J. Rubio and Shackelford were ejected for personal fouls.