Hansel Atencia One Shot Away from Stealing Victory from Movistar Estudiantes, 73-70

Movistar Estudiantes played their final home game with nothing left to play for. The Serrano 127 squad has already secured their playoff spot as series runners-up, though they don't yet know their opponent. Meanwhile, their Palmer rivals continue fighting for survival in the relegation battle, making this victory crucial for the visiting team.

The game remained competitive throughout, with both teams able to create small advantages for the visitors. The Madrid team quickly ran into injury problems when Pato Garino went down at the 7:23 mark and did not return. The home coach had this to say: "he aggravated his abductor area and didn't suffer a complete tear but definitely has an issue, he wasn't in condition to keep playing." The quarter closed 12-17.

The second period maintained the same dynamic as the first. The home team managed to build a small lead, especially due to the visiting team's scoring struggles. The period ended 33-29 (21-12).

The final stretch of the game had two very different faces. The third quarter was difficult for the home team, closing with significant scoring problems and falling ten points behind their rivals 48-57 (15-28).

The game was decided in the final minute. The score was tied at 67 when Tanner McGrew hit a corner shot for two points. On the next possession, Hansel Atencia nailed a three-pointer from the top of the key to put Palmer ahead. Finally, Toni Ten's squad hit crucial free throws and made a final defensive stop to seal the game thanks to Atencia's miss on a jump shot, 73-70 (25-13).

MVPs and Upcoming Games

Jayson Granger led the home team with 14 points and 8 assists. On the visiting side, Hansel Atencia was the most inspired player on the roster. The Colombian finished the game with 27 points on 10-of-23 shooting and 5 assists. It's worth noting that the point guard is accustomed to playing at the Movistar Arena, as he was a temporary reinforcement at the start of the season due to Filipovic's injury.

Movistar Estudiantes' next and final regular season game will be played in the capital but not at home. Toni Ten's squad will travel to Fernando Martín to face Fuenlabrada next Friday the 8th. This will be a special game for the Estudiantes coach as he returns to what was his home last season.

Box Score:

Movistar Estudiantes:
Asier González Pérez NJ, Lucas Nicolas (8), Mamadou Ndiaye Niang (5), Sasu Antreas Salin (3), Sergi Garcia Calvo (12), Jayson Granger (14), Tanner Bryce McGrew (9), Hugo Lopez Barrantes (4), Roberts Stumbris (8), Lotanna Afam Nwogbo (3), Patricio Garino Gullotta (2), Omar Silverio Grullon (5).
Head Coach: Antonio Ten Lopez De Lerma

Palmer Basket Mallorca Palma:
Hansel Giovanny Atencia (27), Duda Sanadze (5), Ander Urdiain Labayen (11), Golden Nnaemeka Dike (2), Ruben Vicente Simo (0), Jesus Carralero Martin (2), Joan Feliu Espejo (5), Nuno Miguel Camacho De A NJ, Joshua Artee Roberts (11), Angel Comendador (1), Alejandro Aguilera NJ, Archange Izaw Bolavie (6).
Head Coach: Juan Ignacio Diez De Acharan