Leyma Básquet Coruña Keeps Promotion Dream Alive with Victory Over Menorca (81-72)

A CORUÑA. Leyma Básquet Coruña returned to winning ways with an 81-72 victory over Hestia Menorca in a hard-fought contest built more on conviction than offensive brilliance. The orange squad secured their 26th win of the season and maintains pressure in the race for direct promotion.

With Monbus Obradoiro's recent setback still fresh, the Coruña team faced a matchup of maximum emotional importance. They needed to react after several irregular weeks and respond at the Coliseum against a tricky and competitive opponent.

The home start was solid, though Menorca found resources from beyond the arc to stay ahead in several stretches of the first quarter. Leyma's response came with perimeter accuracy and improved defense that balanced the contest from the opening minutes. Without excessive fluidity, but with competitive energy, the Coruña side closed the first quarter with a slim lead (22-21).

The second quarter followed the same script. The visiting team punished local turnovers and managed to open a small advantage, capitalizing on Leyma's mistakes and moments of rushing. However, when the game threatened to become complicated, key plays near the basket and a timely three-pointer returned control to Carles Marco's team before halftime. The scoreboard showed a tight 37-35 after twenty minutes of maximum parity.

After the break came the orange team's best stretch. More solid on defense, with better offensive decisions and greater rhythm control, Leyma began to open up the lead. A three-pointer from Jou energized the arena and shortly after Caio Pacheco extended the advantage with several quality plays. The Coruña squad reached an eleven-point lead and began to tilt the game in their favor.

Menorca didn't give up and tried to close the gap before the final quarter, though Leyma maintained control of the game to enter the final ten minutes with an advantage (60-54). The work remained to be finished.

In the decisive stretch there was tension, protests, and moments of uncertainty, but the home team responded with maturity. Micovic provided an important three-pointer to stop the rival comeback and, later, a quality basket from Mus Barro sealed the contest. Leyma managed their lead through to the final 81-72 score.

The victory allows Leyma Básquet Coruña to break their recent poor run and continue believing in their direct promotion chances as the season enters its decisive phase.