Granada – The Covirán Granada edged past Hiopos Lleida 92-89 on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Palacio de los Deportes in Granada, securing a vital victory in their fight to avoid relegation from the Liga Endesa. The win marks Granada’s second consecutive home triumph, moving them three wins away from safety, although Hiopos Lleida continues to spiral, suffering their seventh straight defeat.
The game was a tale of two halves, with Granada establishing a strong lead early on, fueled by a dynamic performance from the bench, particularly from Jonathan Rousselle. However, Lleida refused to go quietly, mounting a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter led by James Batemon, ultimately falling just short of forcing overtime. The atmosphere in the Palacio de los Deportes was electric, with 6,119 fans witnessing a hard-fought contest that underscored the desperation of both teams.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone for Granada
Granada came out firing, establishing a quick tempo and exploiting early opportunities. Rousselle’s energy off the bench injected immediate life into the home side, contributing to a 16-8 lead. Lleida struggled to find their rhythm in the opening minutes, hampered by a cold shooting touch and the early injury to Senegalese pivot Atoumane Diagne. The first quarter concluded with Granada ahead 23-17, setting the stage for a challenging evening for the visitors.
Lleida Responds, But Granada Maintains Control
The second quarter saw a brief resurgence from Hiopos Lleida, as they attempted to establish a presence in the paint, narrowing the gap to 25-24. However, Granada quickly responded, finding their range from beyond the arc and extending their advantage. The home side’s accuracy from three-point range proved crucial, pushing them to a 45-35 lead at halftime. Lleida’s struggles with outside shooting continued to plague their offensive efforts.
Bozic Leads Granada’s Charge in the Third
Following the break, Oriol Paulí provided a spark for Lleida, helping them close the gap to 48-44. But the momentum was short-lived, as Luka Bozic took control for Granada. Bozic’s consistent scoring and relentless attack kept Lleida at bay, extending Granada’s lead to 65-55 heading into the final quarter. His performance was a key factor in maintaining Granada’s control throughout the third period.
A Late Rally Falls Short for Hiopos Lleida
The fourth quarter proved to be the most dramatic, as Hiopos Lleida mounted a desperate comeback attempt. Despite falling behind by as many as 16 points (73-57), they refused to surrender. James Batemon stepped up, showcasing his scoring prowess and leading a late charge that brought the visitors within striking distance. A 0-7 run narrowed the deficit to 84-75, injecting a renewed sense of hope into the Lleida camp.
In the dying seconds, with the score at 92-89, Batemon had a chance to tie the game with a three-pointer, potentially forcing overtime. The shot, however, rimmed out, sealing Granada’s victory. Despite the loss, Lleida’s resilience in the face of adversity was commendable.
Key Performances
Luka Bozic led the way for Covirán Granada with a game-high 25 points, demonstrating his importance to the team’s offensive attack. Jonathan Rousselle contributed 8 points off the bench, providing a crucial spark in the early stages of the game. For Hiopos Lleida, James Batemon was the standout performer, finishing with 25 points, showcasing his ability to score under pressure.
Looking Ahead
Covirán Granada will look to build on this momentum as they continue their fight for survival in the Liga Endesa. Hiopos Lleida, meanwhile, faces a daunting task as they attempt to break their seven-game losing streak and climb out of the bottom of the standings. The team will need to address their shooting woes and find more consistent offensive production to turn their fortunes around.
Game Details
92 – Covirán Granada (23+22+20+27): Costa (15), Pérez (9), Kljajic (12), Bozic (25), Babatunde (7) – starting lineup – Rousselle (8), Ngouama (3), Jonhson (3), Alibegovic (8), Brimah (2), Durán (-).
89 – Hiopos Lleida (17+18+20+34): García (5), Batemon (25), Paulí (11), Ejim (16), Krutwig (8) – starting lineup – Walden (-), Agada (4), Golomán (4), Diagne (2), Sanz (8), Shurna (6).
Referees: Carlos Peruga, Sergio Manuel, and Andrés Fernández. Fouled out: Rousselle and Pérez (Granada), García (Lleida).
Attendance: 6,119 at the Palacio de los Deportes in Granada.
This victory is a significant boost for Granada as they navigate a challenging season. The team’s ability to perform under pressure and secure crucial wins will be essential as they strive to maintain their position in the Liga Endesa.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Liga Endesa and all the latest developments in the world of basketball. What did you think of the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
