With Movistar Arena far from full capacity at just 4,576 attendees, Movistar Estudiantes faced Grupo Caesa Seguros FC Cartagena CB, a team currently in relegation positions. Toni Ten's squad delivered an inconsistent performance with significant difficulties maintaining their lead.
The game started evenly on the scoreboard, with Jayson Granger leading Estudiantes with 3 three-pointers, keeping Toni Ten's team in the contest despite appearing short on ideas. When the home team's shooting accuracy declined, Cartagena took the lead 22-25.
Cartagena began opening up the scoreboard against an Estudiantes struggling to score. The visitors got as much as six points ahead. However, in the final minutes of the quarter, the Madrid-based team managed to regain the lead. They did so in the best way possible, opening up distance on the scoreboard and showing a better face as a team on both ends of the court. They closed the period very differently from how they started it 45-36 (23-11).
Estudiantes maintained their lead on the scoreboard and was able to dominate the game despite scares from the Cartagena side that kept them close. The game seemed decided thanks to strong local performances (74-60) 29-24.
The closing of the encounter began a succession of errors by the home team, allowing turnovers at times without needing to face pressure. Although it seemed the final quarter had little left to resolve, a 0-14 run in favor of the visitors proved otherwise, bringing them back to life only to die on the shore. 90-84 (16-24).
The game's MVP was Jayson Granger, achieving a 30 rating with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Also noteworthy is the return of some players who had suffered physical issues, such as Sergi García and Sasu Salin, who had missed the last few matchdays. On the other hand, Charles Barton did not take the court today. In the post-game press conference, Toni confirmed he has no physical issues.
Box Score
Movistar Estudiantes: Asier González Pérez (4), Charles William Barton NJ, Lucas Nicolas (9), Sasu Antreas Salin (3), Sergi Garcia Calvo (3), Jayson Granger (21), Tanner Bryce Mc Grew (4), Hugo Lopez Barrantes (2), Roberts Stumbris (9), Lotanna Afam Nwogbo (11), Patricio Garino Gullotta (9), Omar Silverio Grullon (15). Head Coach: Antonio Ten Lopez De Lerma
Grupo Caesa Seguros FC Cartagena CB: Javier Lopez Santana (8), Chayce Holden Polynice (14), Ab Sediq Garuba Alari (12), Isaiah Stone Rivera (11), Alberto Martin Marin (5), Kobe Thomas Webster (8), Eghosasere Idehen Idehen NJ, Adria Domenech Fontana (2), Vitor Luiz Faverani Tatsch (14), Miguel Ayesa Rodriguez NJ, Alejandro Harguindey Maneiro (0), Spencer John Svejcar (10). Head Coach: Roberto Blanco Claro