TENERIFE. Asisa Joventut mathematically secured their Liga Endesa Playoff berth after defeating La Laguna Tenerife 98-100 in a dramatic overtime thriller. The Catalan side erased a 17-point deficit in a thrilling comeback led by Ricky Rubio and Jabari Parker.
The loss was especially painful for La Laguna Tenerife, who dominated much of the game and controlled the matchup for over thirty minutes, but ultimately faltered down the stretch.
The game started with high offensive tempo and accuracy from both teams. La Laguna Tenerife quickly found their rhythm thanks to the leadership of Patty Mills, who was aggressive from the opening tip in transition and from beyond the arc.
The home side began to grow through their defense and much more dynamic play, while Asisa Joventut started to lose fluidity with the entry of their second unit.
Dani Miret had to quickly return Ricky Rubio to the court to reorganize the Catalan side, but La Laguna Tenerife continued to control the game. Patty Mills had already accumulated 13 points before the end of the first quarter and the hosts closed the period with an advantage (28-24).
Tenerife's superiority increased even more in the second quarter. Three-pointers from Van Beck, Abromaitis, and Jaime Fernández quickly extended the lead and forced Joventut to fight an uphill battle.
La Laguna Tenerife felt comfortable on both ends of the floor and capitalized on Catalan offensive mistakes to completely control the game before halftime. Patty Mills led the local offensive display with 21 points at the break and the home side went to the locker room with a solid advantage (55-43).
But the game changed after halftime. Asisa Joventut elevated their defensive intensity and began chipping away at the deficit little by little through much more aggressive and physical play.
Albert Vives brought the Catalans closer with a three-pointer and shortly after Ricky Rubio cut the Joventut deficit to just five points with a 2+1 (72-67).
La Laguna Tenerife then began to lose offensive clarity and the Catalan side took advantage of that moment to truly enter the game.
The fourth quarter was a constant exchange of blows. Ruzic tied the game at 77 and subsequently Vives gave Joventut their first lead with a three-pointer that completely changed the emotional dynamic of the contest.
Still, La Laguna Tenerife reacted and the game remained tied heading into the final stretch. That's when Jabari Parker appeared.
The power forward hit a crucial three-pointer with eight seconds remaining to tie the game at 90 and send the matchup to overtime.
In the extra period, La Laguna Tenerife regained the advantage and got up by four (96-92), but several free throw misses allowed Asisa Joventut to stay alive.
The Catalan side then capitalized on Hunt's accuracy and completed the comeback to seal a victory that mathematically secures their Liga Endesa Playoff berth.
Ricky Rubio once again led Joventut with a brilliant performance of 27 in rating, while Jabari Parker contributed 18 points and appeared in the decisive moments of the game.
With this victory, Asisa Joventut clinches their qualification for the playoff semifinals with two games remaining in the regular season. Meanwhile, La Laguna Tenerife must react quickly to also secure their Playoff spot.