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may 22 2026MENORCA. Leyma Coruña came agonizingly close to securing a Final Four spot in the Liga Endesa promotion playoffs, but fell to Hestia Menorca 85-82 in a dramatic third game decided in overtime following an impossible three-pointer by Dídac Cuevas at the buzzer.
Carles Marco's squad started the game with strong offensive rhythm and excellent shooting from beyond the arc. Three-pointers from Cremo and Caio Pacheco, combined with Paul Jorgensen's contributions, allowed Leyma Coruña to quickly respond to Menorca's hot start and take control of the scoreboard.
The Galician team found comfort early from three-point range. Five three-pointers in just seven minutes forced Hestia Menorca to call a timeout with the score showing a promising 10-17 advantage for the visiting orange squad.
Despite Menorca's reaction led by Edgar Vicedo, Leyma Coruña maintained control throughout the first quarter, which closed with a visiting lead thanks to a dunk by Thiam (15-21).
The offensive momentum of the Galician squad continued in the second quarter. Micovic appeared from the perimeter to sustain the advantage near ten points, although Hestia Menorca began to grow with plays from Vicedo, Littleson, and Zurbriggen, dangerously closing the gap before halftime.
Still, Leyma Coruña managed to reach the break with positive feelings and a six-point advantage (38-44), maintaining control of the game's pace in this First FEB playoff series.
The game changed completely after halftime. Hestia Menorca raised its offensive aggression and, most importantly, found defensive solutions with a zone that completely shut down Coruña's attack. Carles Marco's team stopped finding comfortable shots and began struggling mightily to generate advantages.
As time passed, defenses clearly began to dominate the offenses. A long three-pointer by Lobo allowed the Balearic squad to close the third quarter ahead (54-53), completely changing the game's scenario.
In the final period, Littleson appeared to strike even harder against Leyma Coruña. Two consecutive three-pointers from the local player forced Carles Marco to call a timeout while Hestia Menorca opened a dangerous five-point lead.
The orange squad reacted defensively and found Paul Jorgensen as their main offensive reference in the decisive stretch. The shooting guard took responsibility and kept Leyma Coruña alive when the collective offense was completely stalled.
A three-pointer from Cremo brought hope back to the Galicians and the game entered an absolutely incredible finish. With Hestia Menorca up three points and just five seconds remaining, Sola missed completely alone under the basket and, on the next play, Dídac Cuevas hit a spectacular three-pointer from the center circle at the buzzer to force overtime.
In the extra period, absolute equality reigned, but a decisive basket by Cone ultimately tilted the game toward the home side, forcing Leyma Coruña to play a fourth game in the series.
Despite the loss, the Galician squad still maintains an advantage in the series and will continue seeking a spot in the Final Four of the Liga Endesa promotion playoffs.
