Asisa Joventut bounced back from their Lliga Catalana elimination with a 95-84 victory over FIATC Girona in the final group stage matchday, a game that held no playoff implications following their previous loss to iLerna Lleida.
The contest served as a tune-up for the Supercopa Endesa, with two roster updates: the return of injured Yannick Kraag and the debut of Eli John Ndiaye, signed on loan from Real Madrid just a day earlier.
A game always under control
Penya was more intense and accurate in the first half, with better ball movement—reflected in their assist numbers—and a defense that forced 13 turnovers from their opponents in just those twenty minutes. The lead reached 13 points and halftime arrived at 42-33.
The third quarter saw high-scoring action from both sides. Joventut extended their lead to 14 (66-52), though the period ended at 73-63 with Moncho Fernández's team still in contention.
In the fourth, poor three-point shooting from the green-and-black squad, especially from Boogie Ellis, prevented them from closing out earlier. Isaac Nogués made the difference with his impact on intimidation and rebounding, pushing the lead to 18 points (85-67). Girona cut it close again, but Álex Reyes' three-pointer sealed the victory.
Ndiaye's debut and standout performances
Álex Reyes finished as the leading scorer with 22 points, and Nicolás Laprovittola added 11. For Girona, Maric scored 15 and Dominykas Stenionis also stood out with 9.
Ndiaye entered the rotation, scored, and delivered exactly what was asked of him: mobility in the post and willingness to shoot from three, a resource the club wants to explore this season. He arrived on loan through the end of the season after Real Madrid recovered him in the draft this summer and subsequently found themselves with seven interior options on their roster.
On the Girona side, Moncho Fernández's team played in spurts as they prepare for a season in which they debut in European competition, the FIBA Europe Cup, with Mac McClung as the main attraction.