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sep 23 2026La Penya claimed the Lliga Catalana Challenge championship after defeating MCR Lima-Horta 70-60 in a thrilling contest decided in the final moments. Chanaya Pinto (21 points) led the way for the Badalona side, with all twelve players scoring in the victory. Despite the loss, Lima-Horta earned respect for their courageous fight until the final buzzer.
The game started at a frantic pace. There were no half-court offenses, and the court was evenly matched (11-11 at the 5-minute mark). Lula Roig (9 points) stood out for Lima-Horta, starting the game with excellent shooting.
As the minutes passed, MCR Lima-Horta found their rhythm and with Belén Morales (4 points) dominating in the paint, Ramón Reigada's team took the first lead (15-20 at the 8-minute mark). A strong closing run by Chanaya Pinto (6 points) for La Penya tied the game at 20, the score at the end of the first quarter.
At the start of the second quarter, La Penya stepped on the accelerator. Fabián Téllez took advantage of his deep bench to tighten the defense and neutralize Horta's offense. The Badalona team went on a 10-0 run and threatened to pull away (25-20 at the 15-minute mark).
MCR Lima-Horta stayed composed. A three-pointer by Anna Badosa reactivated Ramón Reigada's team, who answered back. Horta had managed to weather the first storm. At halftime, La Penya led 29-28. Everything remained wide open heading into the second half.
The second-half start belonged to La Penya. Chanaya Pinto was on fire (12 points) and despite the efforts of Lula Roig (11 points), the Badalona side pulled away (45-35 at the 26-minute mark).
Just when things looked darkest for Horta, they showed their mettle and thanks to points from Cristina Gil (7 points), they got back into the game (47-44 at the 30-minute mark). The contest became a constant back-and-forth between both teams.
A three-pointer by Mariona Cos right at the start of the fourth quarter added more spice to the game. The two teams were tied at 47 with nine minutes remaining. The intensity was high at this point. A three-pointer by La Penya was answered by another from Lima-Horta. Ramón Reigada's team, with enormous determination, continued to offer resistance (60-59 at the 35-minute mark).
La Penya maintained their pace and it became too much for MCR Lima-Horta. Chanaya Pinto (21 points) took over the La Penya offense and after a three-pointer by Trawally, the Badalona side secured the victory 70-60. Fabián Téllez's team were crowned Champions of the Lliga Femenina Challenge.
