Work done does not disturb. Spar Girona beat Basket Landes yesterday in a duel that became essential to maintain their chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Euroleague. Girona, who start 2023 with the full squad, they settled an awkward match in which, although the game did not shine, they were able to prevail over the arguments of the French thanks, in part, to an imperial Marianna Tolo (22 points). The victory allows Bernat Canut’s players to be third in Group B provisionally and pending the results of the respective duels Sopron-Kangoeroes i DVTK-Schio that they face today.
It should be remembered that this year there is no repechage towards l’EuroCup, the four teams that do not advance to the quarters will be eliminated. All in all, the Girona side have six games left – only two of these in Fontajau – of the regular phase in the top continental competition to find out if they can repeat the feat of remaining among the top eight in Europe. To do that, yesterday’s victory was of the utmost importance. The math, for now, is far away and the locals were able to start the year by bringing a smile to the fans.
The French, thirsty for victory after finishing the first round with a single win and reinforced with new signings, came out with momentum and took the initiative. The locals responded with speed, turning the score around with an 8-2 run led by a precise one Marianna Tolo which, with its classic stamp of quality, was unstoppable. However, the rivals held the pulse (18-14). Julie Barennewhich was presented at the appointment with the noticeable absence of Marine Fathouxdidn’t wait even two minutes to call a timeout seeing that the start of the second quarter started with two consecutive baskets.
The French showed speed in the match and, taking advantage of a couple of counterattacks, tied the match (24-24) at the hands of Kendra Chery. Equity was short-lived thanks to a 2+1 from Rebekah Gardner that allowed her team to catch some air. The American woke up to, at the same time, reactivate the Girona players who yesterday could not find success from the perimeter (2/11 in triples). The Galas did not lower their arms and the Chery-Roumy duo dynamited the local advantage. With the score tied (35-35) Gardner drew oil to leave his team ahead at the break (37-35) from the personal line.
The game became static, with little fluidity, turnovers and difficulty for both teams to score free kicks. Five points separated Spar Girona from their opponents at the start of the last quarter. The French were blocked in attack and the players of Bernard Canute they took advantage of it to place the maximum difference (58-49). With the anxiety to score affecting the decisions of the Barennes players, Tolo extended the score even further and Etxarri added to make up the external statistics with a triple. All of this prevented any sign of reaction from the visitors and allowed Uni to celebrate with the fans of Fontajau the first triumph of 2023.
Solidarity collection of toys
Hundreds of fans threw stuffed animals onto the court during halftime. The deed responded to the club’s initiative to collect toys for a Caritas Girona.
