From the beginning with Leimanis, Domínguez, Jorgensen, Demétrio and Larsen, Movistar Estudiantes did not feel comfortable. The rhythm at the beginning was led by Leyma Coruña (5-12). It was with the entry of Hughes in the quadruple change midway through the fourth (with Atencia, Sola and Jawara) when the schoolboys began to play their game: two triples by the American gave the first lead (15-14). The first quarter ended with an even score of 20-21.
Similar start to the second quarter, with the orange and whites regaining control of the scoreboard: 22-27 and timeout after two minutes. The match was getting tougher, with advantages from Coruña and Movistar Estudiantes fighting to reduce them: 31-35. It would be Sunday, but both teams were wearing overalls. Kevin Larsen posted, Leo Demétrio culminated the counterattack to tie 39-39. At rest, 39-42.
Leimanis, Hughes, Smith, Jawara and Larsen started the second part. Smith triple! Larsen on the counterattack! 44-42. The game was still rough, after indisputable unsportsmanlike against Smith partial 5-0: the two free throws of Madrid and Leimanis triple: 49-44. Weather. With the stands very involved, cheering and showing their opinion on refereeing, now it was Movistar Estudiantes who took the initiative. Of course, with very short advantages: 52-50 midway through this third quarter. So more equality impossible: 59-59.
Exchange of shots (and baskets) to start the last quarter: 61-61. Jawara scored from a distance, then captured the defensive rebound to put together a calm counterattack culminating in a triple by captain Sola: 66-61, timeout with 7 and a half to go. I continued to be electric Movistar Estudiantes: Jorgensen scored, a three-pointer from Leimanis, and a wild mate from Smith, 73-61, up the pavilion!
Leyma Coruña was getting nervous, the schoolboys managed to force them to shoot: 75-63. Even so, they arrived with the game unresolved in the last two minutes: 77-71, triple by Filipovic. 77-73, Barrueta scores with 30 seconds to go. Larsen from the free throw, 78-73. They shoot very hard… and Leimanis sentences with 80-73. In the end, 81-73, second victory of the course, second in a row.
After two home games, Movistar Estudiantes travels again the next day: on Sunday 23rd they visit Melilla Sport Capital. It will return to the WiZink Center on Sunday 30, when it hosts UEMC Real Valladolid Baloncesto.
The numbers
Movistar Students (20-19-20-22)
Leimanis (18), Dominguez (3), Jorgensen (7), Demetrius (5) and Larsen (15) – the starting quintet – Hughes (8), Sola (3), Jawara (10), Athens (3), Alderete Diaz (-), Smith (9), Stoilov (0).
COMPLETE STATISTICS
The coaching staff wore a pink bow, as well as the advertising media were in this color, as part of the awareness campaign for the international day against breast cancer.
6,398 spectators at the WiZink Center.
In the VIP area there was a tasting of the vermouth from Madrid «Dabuti», from Bodegas Tinta Castiza.
El MVP: Tom Leimanis
The Latvian international point guard was decisive in the last quarter: a PIR of 21, 18 points and 3 assists. Double digits in PIR also for Kevin Larsen and Karamo Jawara (16) and Sean Smith (15).
Press conference
