Oviedo, Spain – The Alimerka Oviedo Baloncesto team is rapidly building a reputation for dramatic finishes, securing crucial victories in the final quarter and solidifying their position in the Primera FEB playoff picture. The team, based in Asturias, has won four of their last five contests, each decided by a double-digit surge in the fourth period. This recent string of success has propelled them to eighth place in the league, two games ahead of the tenth-ranked team – the cutoff for playoff contention.
The latest triumph came on Wednesday in Melilla, a hard-fought road win that showcased the team’s resilience. The ability to close out games, often from behind, has become a hallmark of this Alimerka Oviedo squad, exceeding expectations for a team initially projected to contend for mere survival in the league.
A Lethal Combination in the Final Minutes
Central to this late-game prowess is American-Dominican player Marques Townes. Townes is quickly becoming a standout performer in the Primera FEB, currently ranked as the third-most valuable player in the league. He also ranks fourth in scoring, ninth in assists, and fourth in defensive rebounds. Beyond his on-court contributions, Townes actively engages with fans on social media, playfully acknowledging the nail-biting nature of their recent wins. Following the victory in Melilla, he posted on X, “¡Disculpen los infartos en cada partido! ¡Pero que siga esta racha ganadora!” – a sentiment that resonated with the enthusiastic Oviedo fanbase.
The Turning Point: A Resurgent Fourth Quarter
The team’s ability to engineer these comebacks began to accept shape earlier this season. A key moment occurred in Torrelavega, where Oviedo secured a 79-87 victory despite trailing by eight points (64-56) entering the final quarter. While Townes had a relatively quiet scoring night with ten points, captain Raúl Lobaco stepped up, contributing 17 points to the comeback effort. The fourth quarter saw a dominant 15-31 run, fueled by the late-game contributions of Francis Nwaokorie, ultimately securing the win.
From a Setback Against Palencia to a Statement in Burgos
Following a setback against Súper Agropal Palencia (61-76) at home, where the fourth quarter was closely contested at 17-17, Oviedo found their stride on the road. They defeated Tizona Burgos 82-89, overcoming a seven-point deficit entering the final period (63-56) with a commanding 19-33 run. This victory marked their second consecutive road win and signaled a shift in momentum.
Townes and Lobaco Ignite the Palacio
Returning to the Palacio de los Deportes, Oviedo faced Grupo Caesa Seguros Cartagena. Despite a challenging start, the team rallied, propelled by the energy of their home crowd. They entered the fourth quarter with a narrow lead (64-63) and then exploded for a 28-17 final period, securing a 92-80 victory. Townes led the charge with 23 points and a league-leading 33 in the efficiency rating, earning him MVP honors for the week. Lobaco also delivered a strong performance, adding 25 points to the tally.
Another Comeback in Melilla
The most recent test came in Melilla, a notoriously difficult road environment. Oviedo found themselves trailing by seven points (67-60) at the start of the fourth quarter, but once again demonstrated their ability to close strong. A remarkable 12-27 run in the final period, spearheaded by Townes, with crucial contributions from Lobaco, Nwaokorie, and Dan Duscak, sealed a 79-87 victory and secured the team’s twelfth win of the season. This win further strengthens their playoff aspirations in their inaugural season in the renovated Palacio de los Deportes.
Gipuzkoa Awaits at the Palacio
The Alimerka Oviedo Baloncesto team now prepares for another challenging contest, hosting Gipuzkoa on Sunday at 12:30 local time (UTC+2). This game concludes a demanding week with three games in quick succession, including the trip to Melilla. Gipuzkoa represents a significant step up in competition, having emerged as one of the strongest teams in Primera FEB after a sluggish start. A complete performance will be required from Javi Rodríguez’s squad to secure a fourth consecutive victory and maintain their winning streak, as Townes hopes.
The afición azul (blue fans) will likely be unfazed by a close contest, as long as the victory ultimately falls in Oviedo’s favor.
The team’s next confirmed game is against Gipuzkoa at the Palacio de los Deportes on Sunday. Fans can follow updates and results on the official league website and the team’s social media channels.
