By Daniel Richardson
Editor-in-Chief, Archysport
March 21, 2026
CASTILLA-LA MANCHA, SPAIN – The regular season of the #Nacional1MAS league in Castilla-La Mancha concluded this weekend, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff push and a crucial battle for survival. With the final standings determined, the eight teams vying for the championship and the two fighting to avoid relegation now know their opponents. The quarterfinals are set to begin next weekend in a best-of-three format.
The league, comprised of teams from across the region, has seen a competitive season culminating in a clear picture of the top contenders. The Kraken Rado Pakolo Almansa and EBA emerged as dominant forces, securing top seeding for the playoffs. However, several other teams have positioned themselves for deep runs, promising an exciting postseason.
Playoff Matchups
The quarterfinal pairings are as follows:
- The Kraken Rado Pakolo Almansa vs Baloncesto Polígono Toledo
- Movialsa Qualitysport Criptana vs Grupo 76-Alkasar
- EBA vs Imefy Zona 5 Toledo
- Basket Cervantes Ciudad Real vs Prado Marianistas Ciudad Real
Play Out Series
At the other end of the spectrum, Empledis Academia Albacete and Cb Globalcaja Cuenca will face off in a decisive series to determine which team will maintain its place in the league for the following season.
- Empledis Academia Albacete vs Cb Globalcaja Cuenca
Key Results from the Final Jornada
Several key matchups unfolded on the final day of the regular season, impacting playoff seeding and setting the tone for the upcoming postseason. Here’s a look at some of the most notable results:
Basket Cervantes Ciudad Real Upsets EBA, Secures Third Seed
In a significant upset, Basket Cervantes Ciudad Real defeated EBA 73-65 at Parque Sur. This victory allowed Cervantes to secure the third seed in the playoffs, demonstrating their ability to compete with the league’s top teams. Cervantes had previously defeated the league leader on their home court, further solidifying their playoff credentials. They entered halftime with a +13 point lead, but EBA mounted a strong second-half comeback, narrowing the gap to just three points with a late 8-0 run. However, clutch free throws from Ramiro Cuadros sealed the win for Cervantes.
Ramiro Cuadros led Cervantes with 14 points, even as Ángel Sánchez-Mateos contributed a strong performance with 7 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists. For EBA, Gonzalo Piñero had 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Imefy Zona 5 Toledo Edges Prado Marianistas in Overtime
Tecnocasa Prado Marianistas and Imefy Zona 5 Toledo battled to a thrilling 68-63 overtime victory for Zona 5. The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams already qualified for the playoffs. Marianistas appeared to have the game in hand with a 10-2 run in the final five minutes, but a last-second basket by David Calzado forced overtime. In the extra period, a 5-0 run by Zona 5 secured their seventh win of the season and the seventh seed in the playoffs.
Felipe Hernández led Marianistas with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Oliver García paced Zona 5 with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Movialsa Qualitysport Criptana Defeats The Kraken Rado Pakolo Almansa
Movialsa Qualitysport Criptana secured a 72-58 victory over The Kraken Rado Pakolo Almansa in a rematch of the Copa semifinal. The game was tight for the first 30 minutes, but Criptana pulled away in the fourth quarter with a dominant 21-7 run. This win positions Criptana as a strong contender in the playoffs.
Josan Benítez led Criptana with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Ibrahim Doumbia added 18 points. David Rosique contributed 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists for Almansa.
Globalcaja Cuenca Wins at Baloncesto Polígono Toledo
Globalcaja Cuenca secured a 81-69 victory over Baloncesto Polígono Toledo in a game that went to overtime. Both teams knew their playoff fate before tip-off – Polígono as the eighth seed and Cuenca entering the Play Out – but the match was still fiercely contested. Ángel García Cifuentes of Cuenca recorded a triple-double, with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, a first for the season in the league.
Carlos Roche led Polígono with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Empledis Academia Albacete Prepares for Play Out with Win
Empledis Academia Albacete defeated Grupo 76-Alkasar 53-47, securing their fourth win of the season. This victory serves as valuable preparation for their upcoming Play Out series against Cuenca. Grupo 76-Alkasar finished fifth with 8 wins and will face their rivals, Baloncesto Criptana, in the quarterfinals.
Ronald Mendoza led Grupo with 13 points, while Óscar Lozano paced Albacete with 7 points and 13 rebounds.
Looking Ahead
The #Nacional1MAS league is now poised for an exciting playoff season. The matchups are set, and teams will be looking to capitalize on their regular season success. The Play Out series between Empledis Academia Albacete and Cb Globalcaja Cuenca will be equally compelling, as both teams fight to maintain their place in the league. Fans can expect intense competition and dramatic moments as the battle for the championship and survival unfolds.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the #Nacional1MAS playoffs and Play Out series. We will provide updates, analysis, and exclusive insights as the season progresses.
