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oct 03 2026Gran Canaria's talent proved too much for Partizan Fuenlabrada, who returned home after losing to Alicante in the opening matchday
This Saturday, October 3rd, basketball returned to Fernando Martín, with Partizan Fuenlabrada playing at home. Iñaki Martín's squad faced off against Caja Siete Gran Canaria coached by Bruno Savignani
Partizan Fuenlabrada started the game very seriously, staying sharp on defensive rotations and forcing many steals and turnovers. This also allowed them to build a scoring lead (8-2), with Mateo Díaz playing very well with 5 points.
A timeout helped Gran Canaria, who took the lead 8-9, with an exceptional Fran Guerra scoring six points. Iñaki Martín was forced to call another timeout. Iñaki adjusted the defense and brought Vítor Benite back on the court to add more fluidity to the offense. The adjustments worked, as Fuenlabrada ended the first quarter ahead, 15-14, despite a strong performance from Alocén, who had five points.
The second quarter began with a scoring drought for the home team. The Canary Islanders took advantage to go ahead 15-19. Vítor Benite, as always, appeared to stop the drought with a three-pointer (18-19). Although Bruno Savignani's team didn't slow down, especially Marques Townes, who was Gran Canaria's main engine, making life difficult for Iñaki Martín's squad with his pace and attacking Benite on defense.
After the midpoint of the quarter, Iván Cruz appeared, and with a great performance and eight points, was crucial in keeping his team in the game (24-26). Partizan Fuenlabrada remained close on the scoreboard at halftime, 31-33, with strong defense on Fran Guerra, who was being pressured by up to three players on each possession.
The second half started with a three-pointer from Roma Belemene, opening the home team's lead (34-37). An exchange of baskets between both teams, with Bruno Cardoso playing at a very high level, scoring 6 points and grabbing 3 offensive rebounds, although he had to leave the court due to personal fouls.
Without Bruno's interior presence and with a starting lineup that was beginning to feel the fatigue, Fuenlabrada suffered at the end of the third quarter. Gran Canaria took advantage to shift gears, with a great Joe Cremo from beyond the arc, closing the quarter 51-58.
In the final quarter and with a more tired Fuenlabrada and more minutes on their legs, the Canary Islanders continued to shift gears and put together a 0-5 run that practically sealed the victory. However, Fernando Martín made itself heard when the team needed it most and the crowd's chants gave one last hope to Iñaki Martín's squad, with a score of 68-74.
The game ended 68-79 after Joaquín Rodríguez sealed it with a three-pointer with less than a minute remaining. The game's MVP was Marques Townes, with 19 efficiency rating, after scoring 17 points, dishing out 1 assist and grabbing 2 rebounds. Fuenlabrada's best player was Mateo Díaz, with another 19 efficiency rating, after scoring 16 points, distributing 6 assists and grabbing 4 rebounds.
Partizan Fuenlabrada now heads to Seville with a 0-2 record to face Caja 87 coached by Juani Díez, in a San Pablo that will press hard and make it difficult for Iñaki Martín's squad to secure a road victory.
