Manresa Dominates Cheshire Phoenix in Preseason Opener (113-91) with Hugo Benítez's Return

Kids&Us Manresa kicked off the preseason with a commanding victory over Cheshire Phoenix (113-91) in a game that was decided well before halftime. It's worth noting that the English side was playing their second game in just twelve hours, having lost to Bàsquet Girona 93-77 the previous day.

An Unusual August Start

The Bages squad came out with unusual intensity for a first preseason game and quickly jumped to a 27-16 lead. With the English defense struggling and lacking offensive rhythm, the gap ballooned to 60-39 by halftime, turning the rest of the contest into a mere formality.

The second half saw some improved three-point shooting from Cheshire, but it changed nothing. Manresa remained sharp on offense under Ferran Bassas's direction and extended their scoring run in the fourth quarter.

Two Key Storylines

The positive news is the return of Hugo Benítez. The point guard made his comeback after an injury that sidelined him late last season, starting from the opening tip in a team where his recovery significantly changes things in the backcourt.

The other storyline is the debut of Chibuzo Agbo, one of the summer signings. The Nigerian wing stood out in the final period with clear physical versatility in transition plays—exactly the area where Manresa wants to hurt opponents.

On the negative side, shooting guard Gerard Fernández had to leave the game in the third quarter due to a leg injury, with no further details available at this time about the severity.

Diego Ocampo's team returns to action on September 3 at 8:30 p.m. against Asisa Joventut in Sant Julià de Vilatorta.