La Laguna Tenerife secured a crucial victory over Gran Canaria on Monday, propelled by a vintage performance from veteran point guard Marcelinho Huertas. The 42-year-old Brazilian orchestrated the offense with 28 points, five assists, and a clutch shooting display, leading his team to a 79-76 win and a guaranteed spot in the quarterfinals. Gran Canaria, meanwhile, will demand to win their next contest against Nymburk to advance.
Huertas’ performance is the latest chapter in a career that has long surpassed the label of “legend.” Approaching his 43rd birthday in May, he continues to deliver exceptional performances, seemingly unaffected by the passage of time. His ability to consistently create scoring opportunities, both for himself and his teammates, remains a defining characteristic of his game.
The match, played at the Pabellón de Deportes Santiago Martín in front of approximately 4,500 fans, was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. Both teams traded baskets early, with Gran Canaria initially taking a narrow lead, 6-7. Tenerife responded with three-pointers from Doornekamp and Jaime Fernández, but Pelos and Brussino answered for Gran Canaria, tying the score at 15. It was then that Huertas took control, scoring eight consecutive points to close out the first quarter, which ended with Tenerife trailing 23-24.
Tenerife came out strong in the second quarter, with Huertas and Abromaitis connecting on shots from beyond the arc. Gran Canaria kept pace, largely through the efforts of Albicy, but Huertas continued to dictate the tempo. A mid-quarter surge from Huertas, including 14 points and three assists before halftime, helped Tenerife build a significant lead, taking a 43-34 advantage into the break.
The third quarter saw Brussino answer Giedraitis’ opening three-pointer with one of his own. However, Robertson emerged as a key offensive threat for Gran Canaria, scoring 12 points, many from the free-throw line, to keep his team within striking distance. Tenerife coach Vidorreta responded strategically, drawing a technical foul to energize his team, which then went on a run fueled by Huertas’ fourth three-pointer, extending their lead to 63-52 at the end of the third.
In the final quarter, Tenerife focused on protecting their lead, but Gran Canaria mounted a late charge. Robertson continued to be a force, and Brussino added crucial points. With just minutes remaining, Gran Canaria threatened to complete a comeback, but Huertas sealed the victory with a clutch free throw. A final three-point attempt by Brussino fell short, and Tenerife secured both the win and the top spot in their group. Gran Canaria as well lost the tiebreaker.
The box score reflects Huertas’ dominance: 28 points, 5 assists, and a shooting performance that left Gran Canaria with no answers. For Tenerife, Fernández added 9 points, Giedraitis contributed 6, Doornekamp had 10, and Guerra finished with 12. Dylan Bordón added 4 points for the winning side. Gran Canaria was led by Robertson’s 23 points, while Brussino had a strong all-around performance with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. Albicy and Pelos also chipped in with 2 and 11 points respectively.
This victory secures Tenerife’s place in the quarterfinals. Gran Canaria, however, will face a challenging matchup against Nymburk next Tuesday, needing a win to keep their season alive. They previously defeated Nymburk 64-67 in the first round of group play, setting the stage for a potentially decisive rematch.
Marcelinho Huertas’ continued excellence at his age is a testament to his skill, dedication, and basketball IQ. He remains a pivotal player for Tenerife, and his ability to deliver in crucial moments continues to inspire his teammates and delight fans. The veteran guard isn’t just playing basketball; he’s rewriting the narrative of longevity in a demanding sport.
Key Takeaways:
- Marcelinho Huertas led La Laguna Tenerife to a 79-76 victory over Gran Canaria with a game-high 28 points.
- Tenerife secured the top spot in their group and a place in the quarterfinals.
- Gran Canaria will need to defeat Nymburk in their next game to advance to the quarterfinals.
- Robertson led Gran Canaria with 23 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Huertas’ performance.
What’s next for Tenerife? They await their quarterfinal opponent, while Gran Canaria prepares for a must-win game against Nymburk. Share your thoughts on Huertas’ incredible performance and the upcoming quarterfinals in the comments below!
