Seville, Spain – Insolac Caja 87 heads to León this Sunday for a crucial Segunda FEB matchup against Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, but the team will be significantly shorthanded. A series of injuries and logistical hurdles have left coach Adrià Alonso with a depleted roster as they prepare for what he calls “one of the most complicated away games and one of the hottest courts” in the league.
The team confirmed that Garvin Clarke and Bilalovic will both be unavailable for the contest. Clarke remains stranded in the United States, caught up in a bureaucratic process that requires his presence there, according to the club. The Bahamian international recently represented his country in the FIBA window, playing against Jamaica on February 27th (a 97-99 win) and Puerto Rico on March 1st (a 71-66 loss). Bilalovic, meanwhile, is still recovering from a previous injury to his scaphoid bone and did not play against Valle de Egües, with the issue resurfacing this past Friday.
Adding to the team’s woes, newly signed American guard Aanen Moody is doubtful for Sunday’s game. Moody, who was brought in to bolster the team’s perimeter scoring, suffered a chest contusion just 30 minutes into his first training session with Caja 87. “We were unlucky that after 30 or 35 minutes of the first training session, he suffered a strong contusion in the chest that has prevented him from training normally and he is doubtful for Sunday’s game,” Alonso explained. The club’s medical staff has conducted thorough tests to rule out any serious injury, and they are monitoring his progress closely.
Despite the setbacks, Alonso expressed optimism about Moody’s potential impact. “Even in that short time, we saw what he can give us,” he said. “We will push him to the limit in the hours before the game in León; if not, we will work to alleviate the pain and enjoy him as soon as possible. We are very happy with his arrival. He is going to give us many joys also in the locker room with his personality, we are looking forward to enjoying him day to day.”
The team’s injury situation leaves them potentially with three fewer perimeter players available for the game. Alonso anticipates a physically demanding opponent in Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, describing their style as “very different” from Caja 87’s, characterized by “a lot of broken play” that will require strong defensive focus on loose possessions. He emphasized the importance of rebounding and taking care of the ball against a team that capitalizes on opponents’ mistakes, particularly at home.
Insolac Caja 87 was founded in 2024 with the goal of becoming a prominent force in local basketball and providing a platform for young talent. The club also offers benefits to season ticket holders through the “Club Cajista” initiative, including exclusive promotions and discounts. Caja 87’s official website provides further details on the club and its activities.
The game against Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa is the first of seven remaining regular-season contests for Insolac Caja 87. Following Sunday’s match, the team returns to the Palacio de los Deportes de San Pablo to face Clínica Ponferrada SDP on March 15th at 6:30 PM local time. They then host Valle de Egües Baloncesto San Pablo, followed by a series of away and home games against Cáceres Patrimonio, Club Baloncesto Toledo, Castillo de Gorraiz Valle Egües, Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa (again), UEMC Baloncesto Valladolid, Jaén Paraíso Interior, Biele ISB, LogroBasket Logi7, and CB Starlab Morón. A full schedule can be found on the club’s website.
The addition of Aanen Moody was intended to address a need for perimeter scoring, particularly after an earlier season-ending injury to Bertain. Moody previously played for Ourense in the Primera FEB league, where he averaged 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists although shooting 44% from three-point range in 26 games. He also has experience in the Italian Serie 2, where he averaged 11.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists before being released in January.
Fans can purchase tickets for upcoming home games at the Palacio de los Deportes de San Pablo through the club’s website. The team is hoping for strong support as they push for a favorable position in the Segunda FEB standings.
The next confirmed checkpoint for Insolac Caja 87 is their home game against Clínica Ponferrada SDP on March 15th. Stay tuned to the official Caja 87 website for the latest updates and information.
What are your thoughts on Caja 87’s chances despite these injuries? Share your predictions in the comments below!
