Movistar Estudiantes Eliminated from Playoffs After Loss to Casademont Zaragoza 72-80

Movistar Estudiantes falls to Casademont Zaragoza in a tightly contested matchup decided in the final quarter. The Madrid team played without Paige Crozon due to personal reasons in the penultimate game of the season.

The Madrid squad started strong, establishing a 10-3 run that quickly turned into a visiting team advantage. The rest of the quarter remained competitive, with Casademont Zaragoza closing the period ahead 22-25.

The second quarter maintained the visitors' lead, largely thanks to fast-break opportunities from the Zaragoza team. Lisa Berkani stood out for the home side, keeping her team in the game with long-range three-pointers and strong offensive presence. Despite Madrid appearing to finish the quarter ahead, a last-second basket by Ornella Bankolé allowed the visitors to tie the game at 40-40 (18-15).

After halftime, the score remained tied, and Berkani continued her aggressive approach from distance without hesitation. The home team managed a four-point lead, though it proved short-lived, closing the quarter tied at 56-56 (16-16) with a technical foul assessed to Lisa Berkani.

The final quarter once again started evenly, with Estudiantes establishing a five-point advantage early on. However, Carlos Cantero's squad quickly tightened the game and took the lead. Casademont Zaragoza unleashed a devastating 1-17 run that, with just four minutes remaining, sealed the game and eliminated Madrid's playoff hopes. The margin proved insurmountable, with the visitors prevailing 72-80 (16-24).

MVP and Next Game

Frieda Bühner earned MVP honors with 18 points and 5 rebounds for a rating of 17. The German player is set to depart the club after being selected with the 17th pick in the WNBA Draft. Lisa Berkani also deserves recognition for her role in keeping the game competitive despite some erratic moments.

Only one game remains in the season for the Serrano 127 squad. Following this loss, Movistar Estudiantes' playoff qualification is mathematically impossible. In their final regular season game, Olmo Gómez's team will travel to face Ensino Lugo with nothing at stake. However, the head coach has made clear that the team wants to finish as high as possible in the standings for pride.

Box Score:
Movistar Estudiantes:
Frieda Mizzi Buhner (18), Lisa Lucette Djamila (17), Aleksandra Stanacev (2), Isabel Latorre Alcantara (7), Irati Etxarri Munarriz (10), Carla Osma Cruz (0), Laura Elaine Erikstrup (2), Juana Camilion Cuccaro (2), Madeleine Claire Garrick (4), Nneka Chizoba Ezeigbo (10).
Head Coach: Pablo Olmo Gomez Cenamor

Casademont Zaragoza:
Ornella Bankole (12), Mariona Ortiz Vives (0), Merrit Ramona Hempe (13), Nadia Angelique Fingall (7), Veronika Vorackova (4), Laia Flores Costa (7), Helena Oma Giralt (17), Nerea Hermosa Monreal (7), Aminata Gueye (6), Stephanie Mawuli (7).
Head Coach: Carlos Cantero Morales