iLERNA Lleida is the first finalist of this edition of the Lliga Catalana after defeating Bàsquet Girona 88-98. In an impressive second half where they unleashed their full arsenal. Gerard Encuentra's squad, led by an outstanding Darius Mchee (25 points), gave Bàsquet Girona no chance despite a strong first half from the Girona side.
The game started at a very high and entertaining pace. Both teams showed their strength and athleticism in these opening moments. Three-pointers from Darius Mchee (6 points) for Lleida and the athleticism of Mac McClung (5 points) for Girona were the highlights so far. A three-pointer at the buzzer by Sergi Martínez left it 21-17 for Moncho Fernández's squad, the score at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Bàsquet Girona stepped on the gas and iLERNA Lleida struggled to keep pace. Andrzej Pluta (11 points) led from the perimeter and Girona pulled ahead on the scoreboard. Gerard Encuentra's team seemed to feel the effects of playing yesterday afternoon. At halftime, it was 46-39 for Moncho's side.
After the break, the game changed completely. Everyone in the arena witnessed the show put on by Darius Mchee (25 points). The North Carolina native, with four consecutive three-pointers, led the Lleida comeback. From 46-39, it became 52-63 in just five minutes, a 6-24 run that was a true offensive onslaught from Gerard Encuentra's squad.
Moncho Fernández tried everything to stop the bleeding, but couldn't. iLERNA Lleida scored 39 points—the same as in the entire first half—and were on the verge of becoming the first finalist of this Lliga Catalana edition. With ten minutes remaining, it was a clear 64-78 for the Segre side.
The final quarter didn't have much drama. Bàsquet Girona tried to cut into the deficit, but iLERNA Lleida gave Moncho's team no chance, winning 88-98. The offensive steamroller put on by Gerard Encuentra's squad in this second half was a sight to behold. Following this attacking display, iLERNA Lleida becomes the first finalist of this Lliga Catalana.