It was a demanding duel and this was demonstrated during the 40 minute game. Luis Casimiro’s team fought again, but Baskonia’s talent came to the fore to settle the duel and bring victory to Vitoria.
In the first quarter the attacks clearly surpassed the defenses. The success of the verdiblancos served to counteract the arsenal of the visitors. With a great Tyson (9 points) leading the end of the first quarter (26-23).
In the second quarter, Peñarroya adjusted the defense and the baskets no longer came so easily in the Seville field. From 26-23 it went to 28-37. Montero led the Béticos and a triple from Pozas left the score at halftime with an advantage for the visitors of less than ten points (40-49).
After the break, an inspired Gray with 7 consecutive points put Real Betis fully into the game. Tyson did the dirty work and the Verdiblancos had options before facing the final stretch (58-63).
In the last quarter Baskonia did not give rise to surprise. Howard and Costello punished the béticos from the perimeter. The hoop became smaller and smaller for Casimiro’s men and to top it off came the saddest news of the day, the injury to Pepe Pozas, who had to leave assisted by the medical services.
In the end, Baskonoa played with the rent and took the victory against a Real Betis team that they wanted, but that did not reach the level of demand that Baskonia set. Now, mind set on the next battle: Manresa.
Real Betis Basketball: Gray (10), Bertans (3), Cvetkovic (7), Tyson (20) and Gerun (6) ? initial five ? Pozas (5), Montero- (14), Warehouse (-), Maronka (3), Baez (-), Sylla (-) and Pasecniks (3).
Cazoo Baskonia: Heidegger (5), Marinkovic (11), Díez (6), Kurucs (8) and Enoch (10) ? starting five ? Howard (10), Raieste (4), Thompson (3), Kotsar (8), Costello (10) and Giedraitis (8).
Referees: Benjamin Jimenez, Javier Torres Sanchez and Raul Zamorano. No deleted.
Partial: 26-23, 14-26, 18-14 y 13-20.
Incidences: Match corresponding to the 22nd round of the Endesa League held at the Palacio de los Deportes in San Pablo.
