The FIATC Girona opened their pre-season campaign with a dominant 93-77 victory over English side Cheshire Phoenix on Saturday at Platja d’Aro, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo. Under head coach Moncho Fernández, the Catalan squad demonstrated that the fast, fluid, and daring style of play that defined their previous campaign remains the core identity of the team as they prepare for their upcoming European debut.
A Frenetic Opening in Platja d’Aro
Played in front of local fans at the pavilion in Platja d’Aro, the contest began with a frantic pace that immediately tested both squads. Reports from local coverage indicated that the Cheshire Phoenix matched Girona’s aggressive tempo from the opening tip. The first quarter ended with a narrow 26-23 advantage for the visitors, and the score remained deadlocked at 31-31 midway through the second period.
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However, the home side seized control of the momentum before halftime. Girona engineered a decisive 19-7 run to pull ahead, establishing a 50-38 lead at the break. That separation set the tone for the second half, where the Catalan club extended its surge to a 45-21 run across quarters, pushing the score to 76-52 heading into the final period. While the English side managed to trim the deficit by trading baskets in the closing minutes, the outcome remained securely in Girona’s hands.
New Signings Make Their Debut
Saturday’s friendly served as the official debut for several high-profile additions to the Girona roster. Among them were Mac McClung—a two-time MVP and the all-time leading scorer in the G League, alongside a three-time champion of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest—and Stanley Whittaker, according to match reports.
Lithuanian center Martinas Geben led all scorers on the night, putting up 16 points in just 13 minutes of action on the floor. McClung and Sergi Martínez chipped in 11 points apiece, while Pep Busquets and Whittaker each contributed 10 points to round out a balanced scoresheet.
Preparation for the European Stage
The victory provides an encouraging baseline for Moncho Fernández’s squad as they ramp up preparations for a demanding competitive calendar. With the club set to feature in European competition for the first time, early tests against proactive opponents like the Cheshire Phoenix offer valuable developmental minutes for returning core players and incoming acquisitions alike. The coaching staff will look to build on the high-scoring stretches and defensive adjustments displayed in Platja d’Aro as the pre-season schedule progresses toward the official tip-off of the new campaign.
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