ManresaNou Congost is a stubborn pavilion, which has tried to push Baxi Manresa against Real Madrid, but the Bages team could not surprise, lost (74-83) and was eliminated from the quarterfinals of the League Endesa (2-0). The good news from Joe Thomasson, Chima Moneke and Ismael Bako did not go unnoticed.
“It’s been a good year. I have a feeling that at some point in the season we could have done a little more and that some players could have evolved more individually, but we have been above expectations,” said Pedro Martínez, who praised the figure of Rafa Martínez, who said goodbye to basketball in tears. “It’s a pride to be able to finish at home. I’m left with the love of my teammates and fans. I’ve felt very loved everywhere,” said the 40-year-old Catalan player. Dani Pérez, injured, has only been able to play for two minutes.
Baxi Manresa has recovered sensations and, unlike the first game, has competed well against Real Madrid. The Bages team ran well, played with energy and limited their ball losses against a rival with ease to punish every mistake with a good transition. The Catalan team has managed to have a difference of five points against the runner-up in the Euroleague, but has reached the break below the scoreboard (39-41).
Real Madrid has accelerated to build a difference of nine points, but the response of Baxi Manresa has been very competitive. The Bages team scored a partial 15-2 to turn the result around and reach the last six minutes with an advantage on the scoreboard (63-59). The final stretch of the white set has been more solid. Gaby Deck has marked the differences in recent attacks. The Argentine player has scored 11 of his points in a very emotional last quarter. The Nou Congost crowd ended up standing ovation to the local players, who put an end to a historic season.
Baxi Manresa fans and players have ended up celebrating together a campaign that will take many years to forget. Although the Bages team was unable to repeat the feat of 1998, the feeling of having had a unique experience flew over the atmosphere. “It’s been the best year of my life,” Moneke acknowledged.
La Penya and Barça are looking for a 2-0 lead
Joventut de Badalona and Barça are looking for a ticket to the semi-finals of the Endesa League this Sunday. After Thursday’s show, the Peña visits the Lenovo Tenerife track (1pm, #Vamos). “The mentality we have to go with is to be able to get 2-0,” recalls Carles Duran. The Barça team, meanwhile, plays against Gran Canaria (9pm, Movistar Deportes). Sarunas Jasikevicius will be replaced by Sertaç Sanli.
